DNA

[ˌdiː.ɛnˈeɪ]
nounmasculinepl: DNAs
DNA
1. Deoxyribonucleic acid; a molecule that carries genetic instructions for life in all known organisms
The DNA test revealed the biological relationship between the two individuals.
O teste de DNA revelou a relação biológica entre os dois indivíduos.
2. The fundamental genetic material that determines hereditary characteristics and traits
Scientists study DNA to understand genetic diseases and evolution.
Os cientistas estudam o DNA para entender doenças genéticas e evolução.
3. The essential character or identity of something (figurative usage)
Innovation is in the DNA of this company.
A inovação está no DNA desta empresa.
DNA has become a common term in both Brazilian and American English, used not only in scientific contexts but also metaphorically in business and culture to describe core characteristics or essential nature. In Brazil, the term is universally understood due to widespread scientific education and media coverage of genetic discoveries.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
genetic materialdeoxyribonucleic acidgenome

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
DNA
Standard usage; commonly used in scientific, medical, and colloquial contexts
São Paulo
DNA
Widely used in academic and professional settings; frequently used in figurative contexts in business
Rio de Janeiro
DNA
Standard usage in scientific and casual conversation
Portugal
ADN
Portuguese abbreviation (Ácido Desoxirribonucleico) is sometimes used, though DNA is increasingly common

Related Words

genechromosomehereditygeneticsmutationRNAproteinnucleotide

Related Idioms & Phrases

it's in your DNA
DNA testing
DNA evidence
part of the company's DNA
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