The story
From Z + RNA. Blend of Z-DNA + RNA. From zigzagging of the zigzag configuration RNA, an RNA analogue of the previously discovered Z-DNA.
Etymology from Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Z-RNA
Today it means: A configuration of RNA, left-hand twisting double helix, that takes up a zigzagging form due to the natural right-hand twisting tendency of double-stranded RNA. Full definition →