URACIL

/yoor"euh sil/ , n.

Biochem. a pyrimidine base, C 4 H 4 N 2 O 2 , that is one of the fundamental components of RNA, in which it forms base pairs with adenine. Symbol: U

[ 1905-10; UR- 1 + AC(ETIC) + -il, of uncert. orig. ]