DNA

What Does DNA Mean?

DNA means "Deoxyribonucleic Acid," "Does Not Apply," and "Did Not Attend." Here is more information about each of these definitions of DNA.

Deoxyribonucleic Acid

DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, is the hereditary material found in cells of all living organisms. It is inherited from parents - half from the mother, and half from the father - and determines everything from eye color to immune system. The discovery of DNA is credited to James Watson and Francis Crick, in 1953.

DNA consists of two strands of nucleotides twisted into a double helix. Each nucleotide contains a sugar, a phosphate, and one of four nitrogenous bases: adenine (A), cytosine (C), guanine (G), and thymine (T). The sequence of these bases encodes genetic instructions for making proteins and governing biological functions.
  • Ali: Have the police charged someone for that attack in town last month?
  • Sam: Yes. They were caught after they took a DNA sample.
  • Ali: What does DNA stand for?
  • Sam: National Dyslexics Association!

Does Not Apply

DNA can also mean "Does Not Apply," meaning something is not applicable. For example, if a document asks for a spouse's name, but you are single, you could write DNA.

In this context, DNA means the same as the more commonly used N/A, meaning "Not Applicable."

Did Not Attend

DNA may also mean "Did Not Attend," which indicates that someone was not present at an event.

Image for DNA

When I write DNA, I mean this: meaning of DNA DNA also means "Does Not Apply" and "Did Not Attend."

Summary of Key Points for First Definition

"Deoxyribonucleic Acid" is the most common definition for DNA on Snapchat, WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok.
DNA
Definition:Deoxyribonucleic Acid
Type:Abbreviation
Guessability:guessability level 1
1: Easy to guess
Typical Users:typical user
Adults and Teenagers

Summary of Key Points for Second Definition

"Does Not Apply" is another definition for DNA.
DNA
Definition:Does Not Apply
Type:Abbreviation
Guessability:guessability level 2
2: Quite easy to guess
Typical Users:typical user
Adults and Teenagers

Summary of Key Points for Third Definition

DNA also means "Did Not Attend."
DNA
Definition:Did Not Attend
Type:Abbreviation
Guessability:guessability level 2
2: Quite easy to guess
Typical Users:typical user
Adults and Teenagers

More...

An Academic Look at DNA

DNA is classified as an initialism abbreviation, as it is pronounced one letter at a time.

Other examples of initialisms are:
  • AI - "Artificial Intelligence."
  • EW - "Electronic Warfare."
Initialisms are different to acronyms, which are abbreviations spoken as words. For example:
  • GOAT - "Greatest Of All Time."
  • FANG - "Facebook, Amazon, Netflix, and Google."


Example of DNA Used in a Text

DNA

"Cyber Speak" Test

You now know what DNA means, but are you good at Cyber Speak? Well, let's see!
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  • This test has questions.
  • A correct answer is worth 5 points.
  • You can get up to 5 bonus points for a speedy answer.
  • Some questions demand more than one answer. You must get every part right.
  • Beware! Wrong answers score 0 points.
  • 🏆 If you beat one of the top 3 scores, you will be invited to apply for the Hall of Fame.
Scoring System

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See Also

BIOHACKING (manipulating one's own biology to optimize health, well-being, and performance) CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats) CSI (Crime Scene Investigation) NEUROHACKING (use of scientific and technological tools to enhance or modify brain functions) TMS (transcranial magnetic stimulation)