ribonucleic acid

noun

ri·​bo·​nu·​cle·​ic acid ˌrī-bō-nu̇-ˈklē-ik- How to pronounce ribonucleic acid (audio)
-nyu̇-, 
-ˈklā- How to pronounce ribonucleic acid (audio)
: rna

Examples of ribonucleic acid in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
It is caused by a ribonucleic acid (RNA) virus that belongs to the alphavirus genus of the family Togaviridae. — Hollie Silverman, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Aug. 2025 One of the most dramatic examples is the research on messenger ribonucleic acid, or mRNA. — Brian Deese, Foreign Affairs, 22 Apr. 2025 After the initial stomach issues subside, the toxin continues to invade the liver cells and stops them from making RNA (ribonucleic acid), which the body needs to make healing and protective proteins. — Amy McGorry, FOXNews.com, 26 Jan. 2026 Gut also notes that to perform annotations researchers are making increasing use of another genetic molecule, RNA, or ribonucleic acid. — Glenn Zorpette, IEEE Spectrum, 4 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ribonucleic acid

Word History

First Known Use

1930, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ribonucleic acid was in 1930

Rhymes for ribonucleic acid

See All Rhymes for ribonucleic acid

Browse Nearby Words

ribonucleate
ribonucleic acid
ribonucleoprotein
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ribonucleic acid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ribonucleic%20acid. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

ribonucleic acid

noun
ri·​bo·​nu·​cle·​ic acid ˌrī-bō-n(y)u̇-ˌklē-ik- How to pronounce ribonucleic acid (audio)
-ˌklā-
: rna

Medical Definition

More from Merriam-Webster on ribonucleic acid

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about ribonucleic acid

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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