DNA

Saydee-en-AYUS/ˌdiˌɛnˈeɪ/UK/ˌdiːɛnˈeɪ/

12 meanings of DNA

1
noununcountableinitialism
Initialism of deoxyribonucleic acid. It is the chemical in cells that carries the instructions for how living things grow.
Scientists can read a person's DNA to learn about their health.
Every cell in your body holds the same DNA.
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2
nouncolloquialuncountable
The material inside living things that carries the traits passed from parents to children.
Like a set of instructions inside the body that tells it how to grow.
Children get half of their DNA from each parent.
A simple cheek swab is enough to collect someone's DNA.
Similargenes, genome
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3
nounfigurativelyuncountable
The basic nature or values of a person or group that seem fixed and unable to change.
Helping the community is part of this company's DNA.
Curiosity seems to be in her DNA.
Similarnature, character, makeup, essence, ethos
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4
verbtransitive
To test a sample of someone's DNA, often to find out who they are.
Like taking a fingerprint, but using tiny clues found inside the body.
Doctors can DNA a newborn to check for certain inherited diseases.
The lab DNA'd the sample twice to be sure of the result.
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5
phrase
Used in records to show that a person did not come to their appointment.
The nurse marked the patient as DNA after he missed his slot.
Three clients were logged as DNA before lunchtime.
6
phrase
Used in records to show that a person did not arrive for an appointment.
The taxi firm recorded the booking as DNA when no one came out.
Her file was stamped DNA after she missed the interview.
7
phrase
Used on forms to show that something does not apply in a certain case.
He wrote DNA next to the questions about having children.
Leave the box as DNA if the rule does not fit your situation.
8
phrase
Used in records to show that a person did not answer a call or question.
The caller was logged as DNA after three rings.
Survey staff marked the household DNA when no one picked up.
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9
phrase
A short reminder meaning that you should not take something for granted.
The trainer ended each briefing with a bold DNA on the board.
She scribbled DNA in the margin to remind herself to check the facts.
10
phraseUS
An order meaning that a person should not be given a firearm.
His record was flagged DNA after the medical review.
The unit kept her on DNA until the assessment was finished.
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11
verbUStransitive
To order that someone not be given a firearm because of a mental illness.
They may DNA any soldier who is judged a risk to themselves.
The commander DNA'd him soon after the diagnosis.
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12
phrase
A short way to write or say drugs and alcohol.
The intake form had a box marked DNA for past substance use.
After years of DNA, he finally got sober and stayed clean.

Practice

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Origins

Meanings 1–4

It comes from the first letters of 'deoxyribonucleic acid'. The verb comes from the noun.

Meanings 5–12

It comes from the first letters of several different terms. One verb sense comes from a noun sense.