RNA

noun

ˌär-(ˌ)en-ˈā 

: any of various nucleic acids that contain ribose and uracil as structural components and are associated with the control of cellular chemical activities compare messenger rna, ribosomal rna, transfer rna

Examples of RNA in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The researchers analyzed the tissue samples using RNA sequencing to understand how gene expression differed between the two groups. — Isabella Backman, Hartford Courant, 28 Sep. 2026

Both of these regions featured different chromatin — a mixture of DNA, RNA, and proteins that packages long DNA molecules — setting them on independent developmental paths. — Victor Tangermann, Futurism, 24 Sep. 2026

Liberated from the genome, the sequence in the RNA copy is then reverse-transcribed into DNA at a different location. — Jake Buehler, Quanta Magazine, 21 Sep. 2026

The proposal’s definition included in-vitro-transcribed RNA — the technology used in mRNA vaccines. — Sally C. Pipes, Chicago Tribune, 20 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

ribonucleic acid

First Known Use

1942, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing RNA

• messenger RNA
• messenger RNA vaccine
• micro-RNA
• ribosomal RNA
• RNA interference
• RNA polymerase
• RNA virus
• transfer RNA

Kids Definition

RNA

noun

ˌär-ˌen-ˈā 

: any of various nucleic acids that are typically found in the cytoplasm of cells, are usually composed of a single chain of nucleotides, differ from DNA in containing ribose as the five-carbon sugar instead of deoxyribose, and that function mostly in protein synthesis

called also ribonucleic acid

compare messenger rna, ribosomal rna, transfer rna

Medical Definition

RNA

noun

ˌär-ˌen-ˈā 

: any of various nucleic acids that contain ribose and uracil as structural components and are associated with the control of cellular chemical activities

called also ribonucleic acid

see messenger rna, ribosomal rna, transfer rna