-
- To save this word, you'll need to log in.
RNA
noun
: 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
Recent Examples on the Web
The sample is first treated to extract the virus's RNA, which is then turned into DNA using a special enzyme.
—Martha McHardy, Newsweek, 7 Dec. 2024
For the two examples above, smaller genome editors can help with more efficient delivery of therapies into cells, and predicting heat-stable RNA molecules will help improve biomanufacturing processes that generate medicines and other valuable products.
—Jennifer Doudna, WIRED, 26 Nov. 2024
The test, developed at the University of California, San Francisco, extracts the DNA and RNA from a sample of blood, tissue or body fluid, and then sequences the genetic material and compares the sequences to a vast database of viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites to see what matches up.
—Elizabeth Robinson, NBC News, 13 Nov. 2024
The company continues to focus on its RNA medicines platform, PRISM, and is advancing a pipeline of potential first- or best-in-class programs across multiple therapeutic areas.
—Quartz Bot, Quartz, 12 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for RNA
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Word History
Etymology
ribonucleic acid
First Known Use
1942, in the meaning defined above
Phrases Containing RNA
Dictionary Entries Near RNA
Cite this Entry
“RNA.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/RNA. Accessed 25 Dec. 2024.
Kids Definition
RNA
noun
: 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 rnaMedical Definition
RNA
noun
: 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 rnaMore from Merriam-Webster on RNA
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about RNA
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share