mi·cro·RNA | \ ˌmī-krō-ˌär-(ˌ)en-ˈā 
\
\variants:
or less commonly micro-RNA
Definition of microRNA
genetics
: a short segment of RNA that suppresses gene expression by binding to complementary segments of messenger RNA and interfering with the formation of proteins by translation (see translation sense 2)
The 2006 Nobel Prize honored the discovery of RNA interference … and RNAi has helped shed light on the fact that cells naturally use RNA molecules just 20 to 22 nucleotides long, dubbed microRNAs, to regulate gene expression.— Jennifer Couzin
— called also miRNA
Keep scrolling for more
Keep scrolling for more
More Definitions for microRNA
microRNA
nounmi·cro·RNA | \ ˌmī-krō-ˌär-en-ˈā \
\variants:
also micro-RNA
Medical Definition of microRNA
: a short segment of RNA that suppresses gene expression by binding to complementary segments of messenger RNA and interfering with the formation of proteins during translation These microRNAs (miRNAs)—21 to 25 nucleotides in length—are negative regulators of gene expression.— Paul S. Meltzer, Nature, 9 June 2005
— called also miRNA
Comments on microRNA
What made you want to look up microRNA? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Test Your Vocabulary
Slippery Words Quiz—Changing with the Times
- What is an earlier meaning of nice?
Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!
TAKE THE QUIZ
Anagram puzzles meet word search.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridgedWords at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games
- Slippery Words Quiz—Changing with the Times
Do you know these earlier meanings of words?
Take the quiz - Words of Snow and Ice Quiz
A selection of words from the chillier parts of t...
Take the quiz - How Strong Is Your Vocabulary?
Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!
Take the quiz - SCRABBLE® Sprint
SCRABBLE® fans, sharpen your skills!
Play the game
Share microRNA
Time Traveler for microRNA
The first known use of microRNA was in 2001
See more words from the same year