RNA

noun \ ˌär-(ˌ)en-ˈā \

Definition of RNA

: 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

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Origin and Etymology of rna

ribonucleic acid

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First Known Use: 1942

in the meaning defined above

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RNA Defined for English Language Learners

RNA

noun

Definition of RNA for English Language Learners

: a substance in the cells of plants and animals that helps make proteins

Medical Dictionary

RNA

noun \ ˌär-ˌen-ˈā \

medical Definition of RNA

: 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