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

Further analysis revealed that SARS-CoV-2 infection had altered small noncoding RNA molecules (sncRNAs) in sperm – epigenetic markers known to influence how genes are expressed in the next generation. —New Atlas, 13 Oct. 2025

In this study, researchers discovered that RNA from yeast can bind with proteins in beer, creating microscopic particles that scatter light. —Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 5 Oct. 2025

Once bound, the virus can inject its genetic material (RNA in this case) into the cell, which is then transformed into a viral-making machine. —Tara Haelle, Scientific American, 23 Sep. 2025

Diagnosis usually involves a laboratory test that detects the bacterium’s genetic material from either DNA or RNA. —Daryl Austin, USA Today, 23 Sep. 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