'DNA' originates from the English term 'deoxyribonucleic acid', which is derived from the components 'deoxy-' meaning 'without oxygen', 'ribo-' referring to 'ribose', and 'nucleic acid' indicating its role as an acid found in the nucleus.

'Deoxyribonucleic acid' was first coined in the early 20th century as scientists began to understand the molecular structure of genetic material.

Initially, it was simply a chemical compound, but over time it evolved into its current understanding as the carrier of genetic information.