RNA
noun
: 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
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Using techniques for tracking specific RNA molecules, the scientists observed RNAs getting packaged into virus-size capsules, called epididymosomes, which shuttled the molecules into sperm.
—
Ivan Amato, Quanta Magazine, 22 Dec. 2025
Second, a molecular test looks for the virus itself (HCV RNA or a core antigen) to confirm whether the infection is still active.
—Pranjal Malewar, New Atlas, 19 Dec. 2025
The study shows that a long non-coding RNA called CISTR-ACT acts as a master regulator of cell size, influencing how large or small cells grow across multiple tissues.
—Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 16 Dec. 2025
Dust and rock collected from the asteroid Bennu contained many of life’s building blocks, including all five nucleobases used in DNA and RNA, 14 of the 20 amino acids found in proteins, and a rich collection of other organic molecules.
—Amirali Aghazadeh, The Conversation, 12 Dec. 2025
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Ivan Amato, Quanta Magazine, 22 Dec. 2025
Second, a molecular test looks for the virus itself (HCV RNA or a core antigen) to confirm whether the infection is still active.
—Pranjal Malewar, New Atlas, 19 Dec. 2025
The study shows that a long non-coding RNA called CISTR-ACT acts as a master regulator of cell size, influencing how large or small cells grow across multiple tissues.
—Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 16 Dec. 2025
Dust and rock collected from the asteroid Bennu contained many of life’s building blocks, including all five nucleobases used in DNA and RNA, 14 of the 20 amino acids found in proteins, and a rich collection of other organic molecules.
—Amirali Aghazadeh, The Conversation, 12 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for RNA
Cite this Entry
“RNA.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/RNA. Accessed 1 Jan. 2026.
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RNA
noun
: 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 rnaMedical Definition
RNA
noun
: 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 rnaLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
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