DNS stands for Domain Name System, and its role in the internet is to translate human-readable domain names into machine-readable IP addresses. This essential service enables users to easily access websites and online services without memorizing numeric addresses. When a user enters a URL, DNS servers resolve the query by providing the corresponding IP address, allowing the user's device to establish a connection to the desired server. By facilitating this process, DNS is a cornerstone of the internet's functionality and user experience.