dna sequencing: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2 (Academic/Scientific)Academic, Scientific, Technical, Medical
Quick answer
What does “dna sequencing” mean?
The process of determining the precise order of nucleotides (adenine, guanine, cytosine, and thymine) within a DNA molecule.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The process of determining the precise order of nucleotides (adenine, guanine, cytosine, and thymine) within a DNA molecule.
The laboratory technique and computational analysis used to decode the genetic information stored in DNA; the field of research and technology focused on reading genetic codes.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant spelling or meaning differences. Pronunciation of 'DNA' may be more syllabic in British English (/ˌdiː.ɛnˈeɪ/) versus a more clipped American pronunciation (/ˌdiː.ɛnˈeɪ/ with less emphasis on the second syllable).
Connotations
Identical in both variants.
Frequency
Equally common in academic and scientific contexts in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “dna sequencing” in a Sentence
to sequence DNAto perform sequencing on [sample]sequencing of [the genome]sequencing reveals that...Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “dna sequencing” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The team will sequence the viral DNA to track its mutations.
- We are sequencing the samples from the archaeological site.
American English
- The lab sequenced the patient's genome in under a week.
- Researchers are sequencing DNA to identify the new species.
adjective
British English
- The sequencing data confirmed the diagnosis.
- We need a new sequencing machine for the lab.
American English
- The sequencing results were uploaded to the database.
- Sequencing costs have dropped dramatically.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to the biotech industry, investment in sequencing companies, or commercial sequencing services.
Academic
Describes research methodologies, laboratory protocols, and genomic studies.
Everyday
Rare in casual conversation; appears in news about medical breakthroughs, ancestry testing, or forensic investigations.
Technical
Precise description of laboratory techniques (e.g., 'Illumina sequencing'), bioinformatics pipelines, and molecular biology protocols.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “dna sequencing”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “dna sequencing”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “dna sequencing”
- Using 'DNA sequence' (the noun for the result) when you mean 'DNA sequencing' (the process).
- Misspelling as 'DNA sequensing'.
- Using it as a countable noun (e.g., 'a DNA sequencing') in most contexts.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'DNA sequencing' is the process or technique of determining the order of nucleotides. A 'DNA sequence' is the result or output of that process—the specific string of letters (A, T, C, G) itself.
It has evolved from slow, manual methods like Sanger sequencing to automated, high-throughput 'next-generation' technologies that can sequence millions of DNA fragments simultaneously, drastically reducing cost and time.
It is primarily used as an uncountable noun (e.g., 'advances in DNA sequencing'). It can be used countably when referring to specific instances or types (e.g., 'different DNA sequencings were performed'), but this is less common.
Genetics, genomics, molecular biology, bioinformatics, forensic science, medicine (especially oncology and rare disease diagnosis), and evolutionary biology.
The process of determining the precise order of nucleotides (adenine, guanine, cytosine, and thymine) within a DNA molecule.
Dna sequencing is usually academic, scientific, technical, medical in register.
Dna sequencing: in British English it is pronounced /ˌdiː.ɛn.ˈeɪ ˈsiː.kwən.sɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌdiː.ɛn.ˈeɪ ˈsiː.kwən.sɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “read the book of life”
- “crack the genetic code”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
DNA Sequencing: Determining Nucleotide Arrangement. Think of it as reading the letters (A, T, C, G) in the instruction manual of life.
Conceptual Metaphor
Reading the blueprint of life; Decoding the genetic book; Mapping the biological program.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is a key application of DNA sequencing?