DNA
n. uncountablen. Stands for Deoxyribonucleic Acid. The chemical inside the cells of living things that carries genetic information. It determines how a person or animal grows, passing traits from parents to children. Also used to describe the fundamental nature of a group or company.
n. Abbreviation for Deoxyribonucleic Acid. A complex double-helix molecule carrying the genetic instructions for the development, functioning, and reproduction of all known living organisms. Frequently used figuratively to describe the fundamental, unchangeable characteristics of an organisation or concept ('it's in our DNA').
Scientists study DNA to understand how diseases pass from parents to children.
The detectives collected hair and skin cells from the crime scene to extract DNA and identify the suspect.
While the startup has expanded globally and diversified its product line, a commitment to open-source software remains deeply embedded in its corporate DNA.
The noun is an initialism of deoxyribonucleic acid. The verb is derived from the noun.
An initialism of the various terms listed below. The verb sense is derived from noun etymology 2 sense 7.
Always capitalised as an initialism for deoxyribonucleic acid. Frequently preceded by 'in' and a possessive pronoun when used figuratively ('in their DNA').