dna: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1+Scientific, technical, journalistic, metaphorical (general).
Quick answer
What does “dna” mean?
Deoxyribonucleic acid, the molecule that carries genetic instructions for the development, functioning, growth, and reproduction of all known organisms.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Deoxyribonucleic acid, the molecule that carries genetic instructions for the development, functioning, growth, and reproduction of all known organisms.
Used metaphorically to refer to the fundamental characteristics, essence, or unchangeable nature of something (e.g., 'the DNA of our company').
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal. Both use 'DNA' predominantly. 'Deoxyribonucleic acid' is the full form.
Connotations
The metaphorical use is equally common in both varieties.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in general discourse in American English due to prominence of biotech and crime procedural media.
Grammar
How to Use “dna” in a Sentence
have + DNA (in sth)be + made of DNAanalyze + DNA + for sthmatch + DNA + to sthextract + DNA + from sthVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “dna” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The DNA sample was sent to the lab in Frimley.
- She studies ancient DNA from archaeological sites.
American English
- The DNA evidence was crucial for the conviction.
- His DNA test revealed unexpected ancestry.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Metaphorical: 'Innovation is in our corporate DNA.'
Academic
Technical: 'The plasmid DNA was isolated using standard protocols.'
Everyday
General: 'The police used DNA to solve the cold case.'
Technical
Specific: 'CRISPR-Cas9 allows for precise editing of genomic DNA.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “dna”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “dna”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “dna”
- Using 'a DNA' incorrectly for the general substance (e.g., 'All life has DNA,' not '*a DNA').
- Confusing DNA with RNA in technical contexts.
- Capitalization: 'DNA' is standard, though 'dna' is sometimes seen in very informal or stylistic contexts.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It can be both. As a substance ('All life has DNA'), it's uncountable. Referring to types or samples ('The lab analyzed three different DNAs'), it's countable, though 'DNA samples' is often preferred.
DNA is the molecule that carries genetic information. A gene is a specific segment of DNA that codes for a functional product (like a protein). DNA is the whole 'book,' genes are specific 'chapters.'
Yes, in compound nouns and attributively: 'DNA analysis,' 'DNA test,' 'DNA researcher.' It is not used predicatively as a standard adjective (*'The evidence is very DNA').
It is now a standard, if somewhat clichéd, metaphor in business, cultural, and political discourse to describe inherent, defining qualities. It is widely understood.
Deoxyribonucleic acid, the molecule that carries genetic instructions for the development, functioning, growth, and reproduction of all known organisms.
Dna is usually scientific, technical, journalistic, metaphorical (general). in register.
Dna: in British English it is pronounced /ˌdiː.enˈeɪ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌdiː.enˈeɪ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “be in one's DNA (to be an intrinsic part of someone's character)”
- “have the DNA of (to fundamentally share the characteristics of)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
DNA = Directions 'N' Assembly (it contains the directions for assembling and running a living organism).
Conceptual Metaphor
BLUEPRINT; CODE; FINGERPRINT; ESSENCE.
Practice
Quiz
In the sentence 'Transparency is part of the company's DNA,' the word 'DNA' is used: