English · Word Candidate

DNA

/ˌdiːɛnˈeɪ/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: DNAs · DNAing · DNAed

Sense 1

Both English Tiếng Việt

Meaning · English

The part of a living thing that carries genetic information.

Nghĩa · Tiếng Việt

Phần mang thông tin di truyền của sinh vật

Machine-translated — suggest a fix

NounRegister: informal

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Both English Tiếng Việt

Meaning · English

The fundamental nature or values of a person, or an organization or other thing, especially when considered as innate or immutable.

Nghĩa · Tiếng Việt

Bản chất cơ bản hoặc giá trị của một người hoặc tổ chức

Machine-translated — suggest a fix

Noun

Examples

These ingredients in a company's DNA mean that [the] company will attract and grow leaders with these qualities.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Both English Tiếng Việt

Meaning · English

To examine a sample of (someone's) deoxyribonucleic acid.

Nghĩa · Tiếng Việt

Phân tích mẫu axit deoxyribonucleic của ai đó

Machine-translated — suggest a fix

Verb

Examples

The only way we're gonna know is if we DNA him against the spunk in Karen.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 4

Both English Tiếng Việt

Meaning · English

To place (someone) under a DNA (do not arm) order because of mental illness.

Nghĩa · Tiếng Việt

Đặt dưới lệnh DNA vì bệnh tâm thần

Machine-translated — suggest a fix

VerbRegister: US

Examples

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.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “DNA” mean?

The part of a living thing that carries genetic information.

Is “DNA” formal or informal?

DNA is generally informal.