messenger RNA

noun

: an RNA produced by transcription that carries the code for a particular protein from the nuclear DNA to a ribosome in the cytoplasm and acts as a template for the formation of that protein compare transfer rna

Examples of messenger RNA in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

An mRNA vaccine uses a molecule called messenger RNA (mRNA) to instruct cells in the body to produce a protein. —Raul A. Reyes, Newsweek, 22 Jan. 2025

The company is betting on a pipeline built around its messenger RNA platform, which is the technology used in its Covid vaccine and RSV shot. —Annika Kim Constantino, CNBC, 13 Jan. 2025

At times over the past year and a half, messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines have seemed almost like magic. —Nicole Lurie, Foreign Affairs, 23 Dec. 2021

All had received between two to five doses of messenger RNA (mRNA) COVID-19 vaccines—which code for SARS-CoV-2’s spike—during the preceding 3 years. —Byjon Cohen, science.org, 11 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1961, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

messenger RNA

noun

: an RNA that carries the code for a particular protein from DNA in the nucleus to a ribosome and that acts as a pattern for the formation of that protein compare transfer rna

Medical Definition

messenger RNA

noun

: an RNA produced by transcription that carries the code for a particular protein from the nuclear DNA to a ribosome in the cytoplasm and acts as a template for the formation of that protein

called also mRNA

compare transfer rna