ribosomal RNA

noun, Biochemistry

a type of RNA, distinguished by its length and abundance, functioning in protein synthesis as a component of ribosomes.

Abbreviation: rRNA.

Origin

1960-65; ribosome + -al¹

British Dictionary definitions for ribosomal RNA

ribosomal RNA

noun

(biochem) a type of RNA thought to be transcribed from DNA in the nucleoli of cell nuclei, subsequently forming the component of ribosomes on which the translation of messenger RNA into protein chains is accomplished Sometimes shortened to rRNA

ribosomal RNA in Medicine

ribosomal RNA n.
See rRNA.

ribosomal RNA in Science

ribosomal RNA

(rī'bə-sō'məl)
The RNA that is a structural component of a ribosome. Comparison of gene sequences of the ribosomal RNA of different organisms has been used to determine evolutionary relationships among the organisms. See more at RNA.