mRNA

noun

ˈem-ˈär-ˈen-ˈā 

plural mRNAs

: messenger rna

Microarrays that identify thousands of active genes at a time are now a standard tool for biologists. They detect the mRNAs produced by active genes.

—New Scientist

Examples of mRNA in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

But mRNA vaccines use a piece of mRNA, or messenger ribonucleic acid, that encodes for a viral protein. — Elise Haulund, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2026

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Moderna’s mRNA flu vaccine, mFLUSIVA. — Devika Rao, TheWeek, 13 Aug. 2026

Key takeaways The FDA approved mFLUSIVA, the first mRNA flu vaccine, for adults 50 and older. — Amber Raiken, Verywell Health, 13 Aug. 2026

Emerging technologies, including mRNA platforms, could potentially help researchers more rapidly develop vaccines against specific viral threats, according to the doctor. — Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 12 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1961, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing mRNA

• mRNA vaccine

Medical Definition

mRNA

noun

ˈem-ˈär-ˈen-ˈā 

: messenger rna