single-stranded DNA that is complementary to messenger RNA or DNA that has been synthesized from messenger RNA by reverse transcriptase
"Scientists used cDNA to clone a gene because it was created from the corresponding mRNA using reverse transcriptase."
Initialism of complementary DNA.
"The term cdna is frequently used as an alternative spelling or representation of cDNA in scientific literature."
Alternative form of cDNA
In plain English: cDNA is DNA made from mRNA that scientists use to study genes without needing the original cell's genetic material.
"Scientists used cDNA to create a library that could be easily studied in their laboratory."