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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
China's New Virus Outbreak Explained COVID-19 PCR tests are a highly accurate and widely used method for detecting active COVID-19 infections, and work by identifying and amplifying the genetic material (RNA) of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
—Kevin Lynn, Newsweek, 6 Jan. 2025
And many emit tiny bubbles known as vesicles that contain DNA, RNA or other chemicals, like messages in a bottle for whatever cell happens to intercept them.
—Veronique Greenwood, Quanta Magazine, 6 Jan. 2025
The beetle ingests the RNA, triggering interference by binding to messenger RNA instructions for a gene called PSMB5, which is critical for the elimination of damaged proteins.
—Andrew Rosenblum, Popular Science, 26 Dec. 2024
Magnesium, which is the fourth most abundant mineral in the human body, has previously been linked to the healthy synthesis of DNA and RNA.
—Killian Baarlaer, The Courier-Journal, 19 Dec. 2024
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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 15 Jan. 2025.
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
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