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

Under this framework, a cell’s identity is determined by which of its tens of thousands of genes are turned on, something that can be represented by the sequences of RNA molecules (copies of active DNA regions) present in the cell. —Amber Dance, Quanta Magazine, 9 Feb. 2026

Primer extension experiments using mouse macrophage RNA indicated a single transcriptional initiation site. —Kirstin R.w. Matthews, STAT, 3 Feb. 2026

The process of finding a treatment target began with using integrative CRISPR screening and RNA sequencing for about 1,000 RNA binding proteins in TNBC cells. —Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Jan. 2026

NTx Bio manufactures components and systems for the production of pharmaceutical RNA and proteins, including mRNA. —Sasha Richie, Dallas Morning News, 27 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

ribonucleic acid

First Known Use

1942, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing RNA

• messenger RNA
• messenger RNA vaccine
• 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