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

In that trial, the addition of an mRNA vaccine also showed no new increase in the rate of serious side effects. — CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026

The root cause New vaccine COMIRNATY® (COVID-19 Vaccine, mRNA) by Pfizer, available at CVS Pharmacy in Eagle Rock, CA. — Alex Harring, CNBC, 21 Aug. 2026

Summary Merck's stock has surged an impressive 73% over the past year, fueled by a successful mRNA cancer vaccine trial with Moderna and a robust pipeline strategy. — Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026

It’s made using mRNA technology – as, famously, were some Covid-19 vaccines. — Harriet Marsden, TheWeek, 21 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1961, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

mRNA

noun

ˈem-ˈär-ˈen-ˈā 

: messenger rna