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 Its biggest success is Moderna, the Cambridge messenger RNA vaccine company that developed a COVID-19 vaccine and is now working on mRNA medicines for a variety of infectious diseases, genetic conditions, cancer, and more. Ryan Cross, BostonGlobe.com, 7 Mar. 2023 Moderna, founded in 2010, focuses on messenger RNA (mRNA) therapeutics and vaccines. Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 13 Sep. 2023 Both Pfizer-BioNTech's and Moderna's vaccines, which are based on messenger RNA technology, are expected to become available in the U.S. almost immediately after a September 12 CDC advisory committee meeting, which will recommend how the boosters should be used. Karen Weintraub, USA TODAY, 7 Sep. 2023 Based on artificial intelligence and machine learning, the tool analyzes a saliva sample for the activity of genes (in particular, messenger RNA) belonging to the bacterial community housed in the mouth. Matías A. Loewy, Discover Magazine, 25 Mar. 2023 The messenger RNA platform Pfizer and Moderna use has proven to be particularly nimble in that regard. Helen Branswell, STAT, 26 Jan. 2023 Backed with billions of dollars from sales of its COVID-19 vaccines, Moderna has been on a global shopping trip for smaller biotech firms that can expand or improve the company’s messenger RNA technology. Ryan Cross, BostonGlobe.com, 4 Jan. 2023 In late 2021, the FDA effectively benched the J&J vaccine, saying it should only be given to people who cannot or will not take one of the other vaccines, which at the time were the messenger RNA vaccines made by Pfizer and Moderna. Helen Branswell, STAT, 26 Jan. 2023 The company, which was Moderna, agreed, and the vaccine type was the messenger RNA, or mRNA, vaccine that would go on to establish a foundation for the development of the covid-19 vaccine. Andrew J. Hawkins, The Verge, 13 June 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'messenger RNA.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1961, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of messenger RNA was in 1961

Dictionary Entries Near messenger RNA

Cite this Entry

“Messenger RNA.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/messenger%20RNA. Accessed 3 Oct. 2023.

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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!