deoxyribonucleic acid

noun
de·​oxy·​ri·​bo·​nu·​cle·​ic acid | \ (ˌ)dē-ˈäk-si-ˌrī-bō-n(y)u̇-ˌklē-ik- How to pronounce deoxyribonucleic acid (audio) , -ˌklā-\

Definition of deoxyribonucleic acid

: dna

Examples of deoxyribonucleic acid in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Chemistry with a twist DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, is a molecule found inside every cell in almost every living thing. Ryan Rossotto, National Geographic, "DNA, explained," 12 June 2019 The system uses botanical deoxyribonucleic acid—that is, plant DNA—to forensically mark replacement parts. Kyle Mizokami, Popular Mechanics, "The Pentagon Uses Plant DNA to Catch Counterfeit Parts," 21 Nov. 2016 The pattern of bands represents the chemical sequence that forms the genetic code for a section of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid). Fortune, "DNA Detectives Are Searching for Killers in Your Family Tree," 14 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'deoxyribonucleic acid.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of deoxyribonucleic acid

1938, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for deoxyribonucleic acid

deoxyribose + nucleic acid

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More Definitions for deoxyribonucleic acid

deoxyribonucleic acid

noun
de·​oxy·​ri·​bo·​nu·​cle·​ic acid | \ (ˈ)dē-ˈäk-si-ˌrī-bō-n(y)u̇-ˌklē-ik-, -ˌklā- How to pronounce deoxyribonucleic acid (audio) \
variants: also desoxyribonucleic acid \ (ˈ)des-​ How to pronounce desoxyribonucleic acid (audio) \

Medical Definition of deoxyribonucleic acid

: dna