Illustration of DNA
- A molecular model
- 1 hydrogen
- 2 oxygen
- 3 carbon in the helical phosphate ester chains
- 4 carbon and nitrogen in the cross-linked purine and pyrimidine bases
- 5 phosphorus
- B double helix
DNA
noun
: any of various nucleic acids that are usually the molecular basis of heredity, are constructed of a double helix held together by hydrogen bonds between purine and pyrimidine bases (see base entry 1 sense 6b) which project inward from two chains containing alternate links of deoxyribose and phosphate, and that in eukaryotes are localized chiefly in cell nuclei compare recombinant dna
Examples of DNA in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The Pillowcase Rapist was one of the most notorious serial rapists in Florida history — with police in 2020 linking Koehler to dozens of rapes from years ago through DNA.
—
Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 25 Oct. 2025
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has positively identified 14 of the 16 victims using rapid DNA testing.
—Dave Smith, Fortune, 25 Oct. 2025
The typhus theory stemmed from the discovery of body lice on the remains of Napoleon's soldiers along with the DNA of a bacterium known as Rickettsia prowazekii, which causes the disease.
—New Atlas, 24 Oct. 2025
Forensic analysis shows bear DNA collected from Thomas’ body does not match the DNA profile of the male bear killed by wildlife officials, according to the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.
—Lauren Liebhaber, Kansas City Star, 24 Oct. 2025
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Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 25 Oct. 2025
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has positively identified 14 of the 16 victims using rapid DNA testing.
—Dave Smith, Fortune, 25 Oct. 2025
The typhus theory stemmed from the discovery of body lice on the remains of Napoleon's soldiers along with the DNA of a bacterium known as Rickettsia prowazekii, which causes the disease.
—New Atlas, 24 Oct. 2025
Forensic analysis shows bear DNA collected from Thomas’ body does not match the DNA profile of the male bear killed by wildlife officials, according to the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.
—Lauren Liebhaber, Kansas City Star, 24 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for DNA
Cite this Entry
“DNA.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/DNA. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
DNA
noun
: any of various nucleic acids that are located especially in cell nuclei, are usually the chemical basis of heredity, and are composed of two nucleotide chains held together by hydrogen bonds in a pattern resembling a flexible twisted ladder compare rna
Medical Definition
DNA
noun
: any of various nucleic acids that are usually the molecular basis of heredity, are constructed of a double helix held together by hydrogen bonds between purine and pyrimidine bases which project inward from two chains containing alternate links of deoxyribose and phosphate, and that in eukaryotes are localized chiefly in cell nuclei
called also deoxyribonucleic acid
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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