DNA

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   Initialism of deoxyribonucleic acid (“a nucleic acid found in all living things (and some non-living things such as certain viruses) which consists of two polynucleotide chains that coil around each other to form a double helix; encoded in its structure are genetic instructions for development, functioning, growth, and reproduction”).

   Among the various fractions isolated was one presumed to contain only desoxyribosenucleic acid (DNA). Because of certain speculations on the role of nucleic acids in protein synthesis it was necessary to measure and compare the rate of phosphate entry into DNA with that in other fractions of yeast phosphate.

2. 2
   noun

   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.

3. 3
   verb

   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.

4. 4
   verb

   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.

5. 5
   noun

   The part of a living thing that carries genetic information.

6. 6
   name

   Defense Nuclear Agency, an agency of the United States Department of Defense which existed from 1971 to 1996 and has since been reorganized as the Defense Threat Reduction Agency.

7. 7
   phrase

   Did not answer.

8. 8
   phrase

   Did not arrive (used when someone fails to keep an appointment).

Etymology

An initialism of the various terms listed below. The verb sense is derived from noun etymology 2, phrase sense 7.