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

Magnesium, which is the fourth most abundant mineral in the human body, has previously been linked to the healthy synthesis of DNA and RNA. —Killian Baarlaer, The Courier-Journal, 19 Dec. 2024

This finding suggested that the small RNA was somehow inhibiting it. —Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 30 Oct. 2024

The sample is first treated to extract the virus's RNA, which is then turned into DNA using a special enzyme. —Martha McHardy, Newsweek, 7 Dec. 2024

For the two examples above, smaller genome editors can help with more efficient delivery of therapies into cells, and predicting heat-stable RNA molecules will help improve biomanufacturing processes that generate medicines and other valuable products. —Jennifer Doudna, WIRED, 26 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

ribonucleic acid

First Known Use

1942, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing RNA

• messenger RNA
• messenger RNA vaccines
• 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