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
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Intismeran uses messenger RNA technology, the same platform pioneered in the development of Covid vaccines that’s hailed for how quickly it can be rolled out. — David Cox, NBC news, 23 Oct. 2026 Consider messenger RNA technology — the basis for the first COVID vaccines, as well as several promising experimental treatments for genetic disorders and cancer. — Robert Kelly, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2026 The results suggested that the idea of using messenger RNA to train the immune system to attack cancer cells — an approach first devised decades ago — was ripe for further drug development. — Allison Deangelis, STAT, 5 Oct. 2026 Then, a complex of proteins and RNA called a ribosome latches onto the messenger RNA and starts translating it, one amino acid at a time. — ArsTechnica, 26 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for messenger RNA

Word History

First Known Use

1961, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of messenger RNA was in 1961

Browse Nearby Words

messenger cable
messenger RNA
Messenia
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Messenger RNA.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/messenger%20RNA. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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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
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