noun
- a type of virus that uses RNA as its genetic material and can insert its genetic code into the DNA of a host cell
Usage: biology; medicine
Examples
- HIV is the most well-known retrovirus that causes AIDS.
- Scientists study retroviruses to understand how they replicate.
- The retrovirus inserted its genetic material into the cell’s DNA.
- Researchers are developing treatments that target retroviruses.
- Some retroviruses can cause cancer in animals.
- The laboratory identified a new retrovirus in the blood sample.