: 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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At least one case study indicates that viral RNA can persist in human bodily fluids for years after infection. Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 15 May 2026 Using spatial transcriptomics, a method that combines cell imaging with RNA sequencing, the researchers mapped which genes were active in different parts of the retinal tissue. Yasemin Saplakoglu, Quanta Magazine, 13 May 2026 These cross-links alter the DNA double helix, interfering with essential processes such as DNA replication and transcription (the synthesis of RNA from DNA). Encyclopedia Britannica, 8 May 2026 In a message sent to the Boise School District community, Central District Health alerted residents that officials had an isolated detection of measles virus RNA in wastewater collected in Ada County on April 22. Shannon Tyler, Idaho Statesman, 1 May 2026 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 20 May. 2026.

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

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