DNA

D-N-A · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    Deoxyribonucleic acid; a self-replicating material present in nearly all living organisms as the main constituent of chromosomes, carrying genetic information.

  2. 2.

    (Figurative) The fundamental and distinctive characteristics or qualities of something.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    DNA test — An analysis of genetic material to determine identity or relationships
  • •
    DNA fingerprinting — A technique for identifying individuals by their unique DNA patterns
  • •
    junk DNA — Portions of DNA that do not code for proteins

Related words

See also: chromosome, gene, genetics
Synonyms: deoxyribonucleic acid, genetic material

Etymology

Abbreviation of deoxyribonucleic acid, coined in 1944. The structure was famously described by Watson and Crick in 1953.