DNA /ˌdiːɛnˈeɪ/noun 3phrase 7verb 2forms 4 noun3 •The part of a living thing that carries genetic information. •the material in living cells that holds information passed from one generation to the nextWe wish to suggest a structure for the salt of deoxyribose nucleic acid (D.N.A.). This structure has novel features which are of considerable biological interest. — 1953 •(figurative) The fundamental nature or values of a person, or an organization or other thing, especially when considered as innate or immutable.These ingredients in a company's DNA mean that [the] company will attract and grow leaders with these qualities. — 2003 phrase7 •Did not arrive (used when someone fails to keep an appointment). •Did not attend. •Did not answer. •Does not apply. •Do not assume. •Drugs 'n' alcohol. •(US) Do not arm (that is, do not provide with a firearm). verb2 •To examine a sample of (someone's) deoxyribonucleic acid.The only way we're gonna know is if we DNA him against the spunk in Karen. — 2002 •(US) To place (someone) under a DNA (do not arm) order because of mental illness.She had her weapons back. She wasn't DNA'd anymore. But she didn't use a weapon. That's not how she did it. — 2018 formsDNAed · DNAing · DNAs · dnas
