RNA

noun

ˌär-(ˌ)en-ˈā 

: 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

Researchers had long thought that capsid proteins—which link together to form a protective shell, known as a cone, around the RNA—simply fell apart after infecting a cell. —Jon Cohen, New Yorker, 24 June 2025

These systems have a protein that pairs with an RNA sequence to find a matching sequence in DNA. —ArsTechnica, 23 June 2025

These signs may include pieces of DNA, RNA or proteins from abnormal cells. —Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 17 June 2025

In particular, short strands of RNA called aptamers securely bind to other molecules. —Philip Ball, Wired News, 8 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

ribonucleic acid

First Known Use

1942, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing RNA

• messenger RNA
• messenger RNA vaccines
• micro-RNA
• ribosomal RNA
• RNA interference
• RNA polymerase
• RNA virus
• transfer RNA

Kids Definition

RNA

noun

ˌär-ˌen-ˈā 

: 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

RNA

noun

ˌär-ˌen-ˈā 

: 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