retrovirus

[ re-truh-vahy-ruhs, re-truh-vahy- ]

noun

, plural ret·ro·vi·rus·es.

1. any of a family of single-stranded RNA viruses having a helical envelope and containing an enzyme that allows for a reversal of genetic transcription, from RNA to DNA rather than the usual DNA to RNA, the newly transcribed viral DNA being incorporated into the host cell's DNA strand for the production of new RNA retroviruses: the family includes the AIDS virus and certain oncogene-carrying viruses implicated in various cancers.

retrovirus

/ ˈrɛtrəʊˌvaɪrəs /

noun

1. any of several viruses whose genetic specification is encoded in RNA rather than DNA and that are able to reverse the normal flow of genetic information from DNA to RNA by transcribing RNA into DNA: many retroviruses are known to cause cancer in animals

retrovirus

/ rĕt′rō-vī′rəs /

1. Any of a group of RNA viruses whose RNA is used as a template inside a host cell for the formation of DNA by means of the enzyme reverse transcriptase. The DNA thus formed is inserted into the host cell's genome. Most retroviruses can cause cancer. Retroviruses also include HIV.

retrovirus

1. A virus , such as HIV , whose RNA codes for DNA , which is then inserted into some part of the host's DNA. This virus comes with its own special enzyme , called reverse transcriptase, which facilitates this insertion.

Derived Forms

• ˈretroˌviral, adjective

Other Words From

• retro·viral adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of retrovirus¹

First recorded in 1975–80; retro- + virus

Example Sentences

By targeting germ cells, these retroviruses became incorporated into human ancestral genomes over the course of millions of years and may have implications for how researchers screen and test for diseases today.

From Singularity Hub 

Despite this, dozens more clinical trials were conducted throughout the 1990s with retroviruses and other vectors, including adenovirus, a cause of the common cold.

From Science News

For example, pig organs can contain retroviruses that lie dormant in genes.

From Science News

At some point during evolution, the protein syncytin, which is essential for the formation of the placenta, came from a retrovirus infection.

From Nautilus

He was part of the groundbreaking team that first discovered a retrovirus causes AIDS.

From The Daily Beast

Instead of using a retrovirus (as Japanese scientists had done) that can cause cancer, they are using an adenovirus which is safe.

From The Daily Beast