dna

IPA/ˌdiː en ˈeɪ/
KK[dˈiˌɛnˈe]IPA/ˌdiː en ˈeɪ/

dna — noun

1. The long molecule found inside every living cell that stores the complete biolog

1.nounB1
Definition

The long molecule found inside every living cell that stores the complete biological instructions for how an organism grows, functions, and reproduces. This information is carried in sections called genes, which are passed from biological parents to their offspring.

Example

Soraya took a DNA test to learn more about her family history.

collocation: take a DNA test

Scientists extracted DNA from the ancient bone to identify the species.

collocation: extract DNA from

Common collocations
  • DNA test
  • DNA evidence
  • DNA sample
  • DNA sequence
  • DNA analysis
  • extract DNA
  • analyse DNA
  • contain DNA
  • human DNA
  • DNA profiling
Synonyms
  • genetic material

    a broader, less precise term that includes both DNA and RNA

  • genome

    refers specifically to the complete set of genetic material in an organism, not the molecule itself

  • hereditary material

    used mostly in formal biology texts; less common in everyday language

Grammar Patterns

DNA + noun (DNA test, DNA evidence)

extract / analyse / contain + DNA

possessive + DNA (someone's DNA)

Usage Note

Uncountable in most contexts — do not pair with 'a' or use a plural form for the general substance. The countable form ('different DNAs') is limited to technical discussions comparing distinct DNA molecules. The full chemical name 'deoxyribonucleic acid' is rarely used outside formal scientific writing; 'DNA' is standard in both everyday and professional contexts. In forensic contexts, terms like 'DNA evidence' or 'DNA sample' are more precise than using the molecule name 'DNA' alone.

Common Mistakes

He has a strong DNA for music.
He has a natural talent for music.
'DNA' is not used as a countable metaphor for innate ability in standard English.
DNA are made of genes.
DNA is made of genes.
'DNA' takes a singular verb, even when referring to the concept generally.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

DNA, RNA, a gene, and a genome all relate to genetic information but at different levels. A gene is a single unit of DNA — a short segment that codes for a specific trait, like eye colour. RNA is a chemically similar molecule that works as a messenger, carrying instructions from DNA to the parts of the cell that build proteins. The genome is the complete collection of an organism's DNA, including all its genes. For example, a scientist might say 'this gene controls flower colour,' 'the virus uses RNA to replicate,' and 'the human genome contains about 20,000 genes.' Only DNA serves as the long-term storage molecule for hereditary information in most organisms.

gene ↗RNAgenome ↗

Etymology

GreekLatinEnglish

DNA is an abbreviation of deoxyribonucleic acid, a scientific name assembled in the early 20th century as chemists identified the molecule inside cell nuclei. The name combines deoxyribose (the sugar component), nucleic (meaning 'of the nucleus'), and acid (a chemical class). The double-helix structure — now famous in popular culture — was mapped by James Watson and Francis Crick in 1953, building on X-ray images from Rosalind Franklin.