: 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
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.
Scientists would examine the DNA and RNA (RNA and mRNA serve different functions in a cell) of a specific patient's tumor to create a vaccine to teach that person's immune system to target and destroy cells driving cancer growth. Stephanie Armour | Kff Health News, ABC News, 8 Mar. 2025 The development of the Covid vaccine relied on a public–private partnership that built on years of research into synthesizing RNA molecules. David Oshinsky, The New York Review of Books, 6 Mar. 2025 In both cases, the researchers simply mixed the proteins and guide RNA needed, and then used rapidly shifting electrical currents to open the membranes of mouse stem cells, allowing the complexes to diffuse into the cell and engage in DNA editing. John Timmer, Ars Technica, 4 Mar. 2025 Within bamboo, as within all living organisms, is DNA and RNA. Monica Cull, Discover Magazine, 27 Feb. 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 18 Mar. 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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