messenger RNA

noun

: an RNA produced by transcription that carries the code for a particular protein from the nuclear DNA to a ribosome in the cytoplasm and acts as a template for the formation of that protein compare transfer rna

Examples of messenger RNA in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Over the last several days, the safety and efficacy of messenger RNA, or mRNA, vaccines have come under intense scrutiny. —Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 23 May 2025

Rather than containing a weakened or dead virus, as most vaccines do, the shots contained mRNA — or messenger RNA, a kind of genetic script — that prompted cells to produce special proteins that would allow the body to develop an immunity to the novel coronavirus. —Dylan Scott, Vox, 11 Mar. 2025

An mRNA vaccine uses a molecule called messenger RNA (mRNA) to instruct cells in the body to produce a protein. —Raul A. Reyes, Newsweek, 22 Jan. 2025

The company is betting on a pipeline built around its messenger RNA platform, which is the technology used in its Covid vaccine and RSV shot. —Annika Kim Constantino, CNBC, 13 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1961, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

messenger RNA

noun

: an RNA that carries the code for a particular protein from DNA in the nucleus to a ribosome and that acts as a pattern for the formation of that protein compare transfer rna

Medical Definition

messenger RNA

noun

: an RNA produced by transcription that carries the code for a particular protein from the nuclear DNA to a ribosome in the cytoplasm and acts as a template for the formation of that protein

called also mRNA

compare transfer rna