ribonucleic acid

noun

ri·​bo·​nu·​cle·​ic acid ˌrī-bō-nu̇-ˈklē-ik- How to pronounce ribonucleic acid (audio)
-nyu̇-,
-ˌklā-
: rna

Examples of ribonucleic acid in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Folate is needed to make DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) and RNA (ribonucleic acid) and helps produce healthy red blood cells. Lainey Younkin, Ms, Rd, Verywell Health, 22 Mar. 2024 The synthesis of ribonucleic acid requires various nitrile precursor molecules, such as hydrogen cyanide, cyanoacetylene and cyanogen, which can only form in certain conditions. Discover Magazine, 24 July 2023 Since the pandemic began this spring, scientists have learned that the ribonucleic acid, or RNA, of the coronavirus, which causes covid-19, can be detected in feces, and that infected individuals shed particles in their stool soon after being infected. Washington Post, 25 Dec. 2020 Unlike conventional vaccines, which use a live virus to trigger an immune response in humans, those made using messenger ribonucleic acid, mRNA, carry genetic instructions that generate a spike protein to develop antibodies against infections. Rajesh Roy, WSJ, 29 Sep. 2021 See all Example Sentences for ribonucleic acid 

Word History

First Known Use

1930, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ribonucleic acid was in 1930

Dictionary Entries Near ribonucleic acid

Cite this Entry

“Ribonucleic acid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ribonucleic%20acid. Accessed 15 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

ribonucleic acid

noun
ri·​bo·​nu·​cle·​ic acid ˌrī-bō-n(y)u̇-ˌklē-ik- How to pronounce ribonucleic acid (audio)
-ˌklā-
: rna

Medical Definition

ribonucleic acid

noun
ri·​bo·​nu·​cle·​ic acid ˌrī-bō-n(y)u̇-ˌklē-ik- How to pronounce ribonucleic acid (audio) -ˌklā- How to pronounce ribonucleic acid (audio)
: rna

More from Merriam-Webster on ribonucleic acid

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!