RNase

noun

RN·ase ˌär-ˌen-ˈās

-ˈāz,

ˌär-ˈen-ˌās

-ˌāz

variants or less commonly RNAase

ˌär-(ˌ)en-ˈā-ˌās

-ˈā-ˌāz

: ribonuclease

Word History

Etymology

RNA + -ase

First Known Use

1948, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of RNase was in 1948

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“RNase.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/RNase. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.

Copy Citation

Medical Definition

RNase

noun

RN·ase

variants or RNAase

ˌär-ˌen-ˈā-ˌās, -ˈā-ˌāz

: ribonuclease

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

truculent

Listen to the pronunciation of truculent

See Definitions and Examples »

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Plural and Possessive Names: A Guide

Using Bullet Points ( • )

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

Popular in Wordplay

8 Real (and Perceived) Redundant Words

17 Words for Dog Breeds

Ten More Words from Taylor Swift Songs

Why do we 'bury the lede?'

'Za' and 9 Other Words to Help You Win at SCRABBLE

Popular

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

8 Real (and Perceived) Redundant Words

17 Words for Dog Breeds