# DNA

/ˈdiˌɛˈneɪ/ (US)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/dna
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. genetic material

noun · CEFR B2 · Technical

Stands for Deoxyribonucleic Acid. The substance in cells that carries genetic information for all living things.

For teachers: Abbreviation for Deoxyribonucleic Acid. The molecule that carries the genetic instructions used in the growth, development, functioning, and reproduction of all known living organisms.

- The police used DNA from the crime scene to identify the suspect.
- Advances in sequencing technology have allowed researchers to map the entire human DNA structure with unprecedented accuracy.

Usage: Usually treated as an uncountable noun when referring to the substance generally.

### 2. fundamental nature

noun · CEFR C1 · Informal

the basic qualities or values that make a person or organization what they are.

For teachers: The fundamental nature, core values, or innate characteristics of a person, organization, or system.

- Innovation is part of this company's DNA.
- The desire for exploration seems to be written into the DNA of the human race.

Teaching tip: This is a very common metaphorical use in business and journalism to describe a company's culture.

### 3. to test genetic material

verb · CEFR C2 · Informal · Technical

to test a person's DNA to find out information about them.

For teachers: To perform a genetic analysis on a biological sample from a specific individual.

- The lab will DNA the samples to confirm the family relationship.
- The forensic team was instructed to DNA every piece of evidence recovered from the site to ensure no lead was overlooked.

Usage: This is a functional shift where the noun is used as a transitive verb.

## Examples

- 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.