Pronunciations (3)
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/ˌdiːɛnˈeɪ/
Pronunciation notes
- Received-Pronunciation
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/ˌdiˌɛnˈeɪ/
Pronunciation notes
- General-American
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ˌdiː ˌɛn ˈeɪ
Noun
The part of a living thing that carries genetic information.
Usage- broadly
- Countable
- Informal
- Uncountable
The fundamental nature or values of a person, or an organization or other thing, especially when considered as innate or immutable.
Usage- Countable
- Figurative
- Uncountable
- Examples
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These ingredients in a company's DNA mean that [the] company will attract and grow leaders with these qualities.
More examples (3)
The main leadership priority at Level 2 is creating the business's DNA by defining how all the moving parts of the company will work, both independently and together.
But this new fixation on guns is […] coming from the hardcore MAGA set, and not only is it likely to stick around beyond the primaries, it's likely hardwired into the DNA of a party now driven by extremism, conspiracy, and a belief that violence is a legitimate tool to achieve desired political outcomes.
We cannot have a culture that sees safeguarding as a separate add-on. It needs to be part of our DNA, as an expression of our love for one another and our commitment to the Gospel.
Verb
To examine a sample of (someone's) deoxyribonucleic acid.
Usage- Transitive
- Examples
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The only way we're gonna know is if we DNA him against the spunk in Karen.
More examples (1)
The barrister went on to say that his client 'remains persecuted and victimised. He has been DNAed; his hair, his blood and his clothes. Nothing. No charges have ever been brought.'
Maybe nothing to do with the break-in, but worth fingerprinting the wrapper and DNAing the gum.
Proper noun
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.
Usage- US usage
- Historical
Phrase
Did not answer.
Did not arrive (used when someone fails to keep an appointment).
Did not attend.
Do not assume.
Does not apply.
Drugs 'n' alcohol.
Do not arm (that is, do not provide with a firearm).
Usage- US usage
Verb
To place (someone) under a DNA (do not arm) order because of mental illness.
Usage- US usage
- Examples
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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.
Noun
(biochemistry) a long linear polymer found in the nucleus of a cell and formed from nucleotides and shaped like a double helix; associated with the transmission of genetic information
- Broader terms
- Examples
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DNA is the king of molecules