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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
Recent Examples on the Web
Obelisks are somewhat like these because they are made of RNA.
—Discover Magazine, 31 Jan. 2025
In addition, all five nucleobases used in DNA and RNA were detected.
—Michael Irving, New Atlas, 30 Jan. 2025
Present also were all five nucleobases - the genetic components of DNA and RNA in all life on Earth.
—Doyle Rice, USA TODAY, 29 Jan. 2025
The team also detected adenine, guanine, cytosine, thymine and uracil — all five of the biological nucleobases, or components that make up the genetic code in DNA and RNA.
—Ashley Strickland, CNN, 29 Jan. 2025
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Word History
Etymology
ribonucleic acid
First Known Use
1942, in the meaning defined above
Phrases Containing RNA
Dictionary Entries Near RNA
Cite this Entry
“RNA.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/RNA. Accessed 8 Feb. 2025.
Kids Definition
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 rnaMore from Merriam-Webster on RNA
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about RNA
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