: 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
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Now, in a new review article, researchers at the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa (UH Mānoa) have investigated how gut bacteria can affect our epigenome – the chemical tags on DNA and RNA that turn genes on or off without altering the underlying genetic code. New Atlas, 24 Sep. 2025 Once bound, the virus can inject its genetic material (RNA in this case) into the cell, which is then transformed into a viral-making machine. Tara Haelle, Scientific American, 23 Sep. 2025 Diagnosis usually involves a laboratory test that detects the bacterium’s genetic material from either DNA or RNA. Daryl Austin, USA Today, 23 Sep. 2025 In trials, the tool mapped RNA at single-cell resolution, identifying tumor subtypes and immune responses within old cancer tissue. Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 22 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for RNA

Word History

Etymology

ribonucleic acid

First Known Use

1942, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of RNA was in 1942

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Cite this Entry

“RNA.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/RNA. Accessed 4 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

: 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

: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on RNA

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