uracil

noun

1. Biochemistry. a pyrimidine base, C4H4N2O2, that is one of the fundamental components of RNA, in which it forms base pairs with adenine. Symbol: U

noun

1. biochem a pyrimidine present in all living cells, usually in a combined form, as in RNA. Formula: C 4 H 4 N 2 O 2

coined in German, 1885, perhaps from urea + German Acetsäure “acetic acid” + chemical suffix -il.

n.

1. A pyrimidine base that is an essential constituent of RNA.

1. A pyrimidine base that is a component of RNA. It forms a base pair with adenine during transcription. Uracil is therefore structurally analogous to thymine in molecules of DNA. Chemical formula: C4H4N2O2.