retrovirus

ret·ro·vi·rus

noun \ˈre-trō-ˌvī-rəs\

Definition of RETROVIRUS

: any of a family (Retroviridae) of single-stranded RNA viruses that produce reverse transcriptase by means of which DNA is produced using their RNA as a template and incorporated into the genome of infected cells, that are often tumorigenic, and that include the lentiviruses (as the HIVs) and the causative agent of Rous sarcoma

— ret·ro·vi·ral \-rəl\ adjective

Origin of RETROVIRUS

New Latin

First Known Use: 1975

ret·ro·vi·rus

noun \ˈre-trō-ˌvī-rəs\   (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of RETROVIRUS

: any of the family Retroviridae of single-stranded RNA viruses—called also RNA tumor virus

—ret·ro·vi·ral \-rəl\ (audio pronunciation) adjective

—ret·ro·vi·ral·ly \-ē\ (audio pronunciation) adverb

retrovirus

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Any of a group of viruses that, unlike most other viruses and all cellular organisms, carry their genetic blueprint in the form of RNA. Retroviruses are responsible for some cancers and viral infections of animals, and they cause at least one type of human cancer. The retrovirus HIV is the cause of AIDS in humans. The name signifies that they use RNA to synthesize DNA, the reverse of the usual cell process. This process makes it possible for genetic material from a retrovirus to enter and become a permanent part of the genes of an infected cell.