adn
“adn” means “DNA” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
DNA
Also: genetic material
📝 In Action
La policía usó muestras de adn para identificar al sospechoso.
B2The police used DNA samples to identify the suspect.
Cada célula de nuestro cuerpo contiene una copia de nuestro adn.
B2Every cell in our body contains a copy of our DNA.
essence
Also: core values, identity
📝 In Action
La innovación está en el adn de nuestra empresa.
C1Innovation is in the DNA (the core essence) of our company.
La hospitalidad es parte del adn de la cultura andaluza.
C1Hospitality is part of the DNA (the fundamental identity) of Andalusian culture.
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: adn
Question 1 of 1
¿En cuál de estas frases 'adn' se usa en su sentido figurado (no científico)?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
An acronym derived from the initial letters of 'ácido desoxirribonucleico' (Deoxyribonucleic acid).
First recorded: Mid-20th century (following the scientific discovery)
Cognates (Related words)
💡 Master Spanish
Take your Spanish to the next level. Read 200+ illustrated and narrated Spanish stories tailored to your level with the Inklingo app!
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I capitalize 'adn' in Spanish?
Yes, 'ADN' is technically an acronym and is most often written in capital letters in published Spanish texts, similar to English (DNA). However, since it is pronounced as a single word 'ah-day-en', some style guides accept 'adn' in lowercase for informal use.
Is 'adn' masculine or feminine?
It is always masculine: 'el adn'. This is because, even though the full phrase starts with 'ácido' (acid, masculine), acronyms often default to the gender of the main defining noun. For ADN, it is treated as masculine.