ribonucleic acid
noun
ri·bo·nu·cle·ic acid
| \ ˌrī-bō-nu̇-ˈklē-ik-
, -nyu̇-, -ˌklā-\
, -nyu̇-, -ˌklā-\
Definition of ribonucleic acid
: rna
Examples of ribonucleic acid in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Ebola’s genetic code, or genome, is contained in a strand of ribonucleic acid, or RNA, that is coiled tightly in the core of the particle. — Richard Preston, The New Yorker, "Is Ebola Evolving Into a More Deadly Virus?," 7 Aug. 2019 To some biochemists, Hud’s attempts to find an evolutionary precursor to ribonucleic acid may have seemed a fool’s errand. — Quanta Magazine, "Chemists Seek Possible Precursor to RNA," 5 Feb. 2014 The dominant theory to explain the origins of life — known as the RNA world hypothesis — regards ribonucleic acid as the first biological molecule. — Quanta Magazine, "Chemists Seek Possible Precursor to RNA," 5 Feb. 2014 Using evidence gathered from each of their fields, the experts began piecing together a vast universal puzzle, revealing new theories on the emergence of complex molecules such as RNA (ribonucleic acid). — Jill Kiedaisch, Popular Mechanics, "Life on Earth May Have Been Born From a Maelstrom of Molten Iron," 15 Jan. 2019 At the center of each virus is its genetic fingerprint (the ribonucleic acid, pink), surrounded by a protective protein shell (the nucleocapsid, yellow). — Doug Criss, CNN, "5 things for March 28: North Korea & China, Sacramento, water park death, new organ," 28 Mar. 2018These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'ribonucleic acid.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Keep scrolling for more
Keep scrolling for more