: any of various nucleic acids that contain ribose and uracil as structural components and are associated with the control of cellular chemical activities compare messenger rna, ribosomal rna, transfer rna

Examples of RNA in a Sentence

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These included the amino acid glycine and uracil, a nucleotide base in RNA. Mindy Weisberger, CNN Money, 28 Mar. 2025 On the Earth, this progression likely started with simple reproductive molecules like RNA. ArsTechnica, 26 Mar. 2025 The local company’s technology is used to synthesize the raw materials, DNA and RNA, that scientists use to develop precision medicine, vaccines and gene therapies. Natallie Rocha, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Mar. 2025 Later, scientists could search for the RNA from a new variant and trace it back to its source. Matthew Hutson, The New Yorker, 20 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for RNA

Word History

Etymology

ribonucleic acid

First Known Use

1942, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of RNA was in 1942

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Cite this Entry

“RNA.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/RNA. Accessed 9 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

: any of various nucleic acids that are typically found in the cytoplasm of cells, are usually composed of a single chain of nucleotides, differ from DNA in containing ribose as the five-carbon sugar instead of deoxyribose, and that function mostly in protein synthesis

called also ribonucleic acid

compare messenger rna, ribosomal rna, transfer rna

Medical Definition

: any of various nucleic acids that contain ribose and uracil as structural components and are associated with the control of cellular chemical activities

called also ribonucleic acid

see messenger rna, ribosomal rna, transfer rna

More from Merriam-Webster on RNA

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