noun
DNA
dee-ehn-AY
noun
1
The molecule inside almost every living cell that carries genetic instructions, arranged as a double helix of paired bases.
"DNA from both parents combines to determine a child's traits."
"Investigators matched the DNA found at the scene to a suspect."
verb
1
To test a biological sample for its genetic identity.
"Police DNA'd the cigarette butt left behind."
How to Use DNA
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe genetic code stored in cells that makes each living thing unique.
Common mistake
"In someone's DNA" is often used figuratively to mean a core, defining trait, not literal genetics — e.g. "Customer service is in the company's DNA."
Common pairings
DNA test
DNA sample
match someone's DNA
in your DNA (figuratively)
Word Forms
DNAed past tense, DNAed past tense, DNAs singular, DNAs singular
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_____ from both parents combines to determine a child's traits.
Etymology
Short for deoxyribonucleic acid, the chemical name of the molecule.