retrovirus
noun
ret·ro·vi·rus
ˈre-trō-ˌvī-rəs 
: 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 (such as the HIVs) and the causative agent of Rous sarcoma
Examples of retrovirus in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Researchers at the retrovirus conference presented favorable results from two HIV vaccine studies.
—
Benjamin Ryan, NBC News, 6 Mar. 2024
However, when an RNA-containing retrovirus infects a host cell, the RNA is converted to DNA and then inserted into the cell’s genome.
—Anna Funk, Discover Magazine, 12 June 2019
Seven more human genes were added to reduce the likelihood of later rejection, and 59 genes related to porcine endogenous retroviruses were inactivated to eliminate the chance that the viruses could jump from pig to person.
—Karen Weintraub, USA TODAY, 21 Mar. 2024
Pigs carry retroviruses that may infect humans, and the company also inactivated the pathogens.
—Roni Caryn Rabin, New York Times, 21 Mar. 2024
His early medical research probed the Rous sarcoma retrovirus, a cancer-causing virus that was first observed in birds.
—Brian Murphy, Washington Post, 15 Feb. 2024
The San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance and DNA-sequencing giant Illumina are examining the genetic information of nearly 100 koalas spanning 30 years to get a better understanding of koala retrovirus, or KoRV.
—Natallie Rocha, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Jan. 2024
In the trial, children were given a treatment based on retroviruses, which were used as vectors to carry a replacement for the malfunctioning genes responsible for the cohort’s immune deficiencies.
—Doug Johnson, Ars Technica, 5 Jan. 2023
This is in part because of the pathogen cargo such organs can transfer: Most pigs carry endogenous retroviruses, which can in theory lead to unpredictable illnesses in human recipients.
—Elizabeth Svoboda, Discover Magazine, 3 Dec. 2023
Benjamin Ryan, NBC News, 6 Mar. 2024
However, when an RNA-containing retrovirus infects a host cell, the RNA is converted to DNA and then inserted into the cell’s genome.
—Anna Funk, Discover Magazine, 12 June 2019
Seven more human genes were added to reduce the likelihood of later rejection, and 59 genes related to porcine endogenous retroviruses were inactivated to eliminate the chance that the viruses could jump from pig to person.
—Karen Weintraub, USA TODAY, 21 Mar. 2024
Pigs carry retroviruses that may infect humans, and the company also inactivated the pathogens.
—Roni Caryn Rabin, New York Times, 21 Mar. 2024
His early medical research probed the Rous sarcoma retrovirus, a cancer-causing virus that was first observed in birds.
—Brian Murphy, Washington Post, 15 Feb. 2024
The San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance and DNA-sequencing giant Illumina are examining the genetic information of nearly 100 koalas spanning 30 years to get a better understanding of koala retrovirus, or KoRV.
—Natallie Rocha, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Jan. 2024
In the trial, children were given a treatment based on retroviruses, which were used as vectors to carry a replacement for the malfunctioning genes responsible for the cohort’s immune deficiencies.
—Doug Johnson, Ars Technica, 5 Jan. 2023
This is in part because of the pathogen cargo such organs can transfer: Most pigs carry endogenous retroviruses, which can in theory lead to unpredictable illnesses in human recipients.
—Elizabeth Svoboda, Discover Magazine, 3 Dec. 2023
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'retrovirus.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near retrovirus
Cite this Entry
“Retrovirus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/retrovirus. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
retrovirus
noun
ret·ro·vi·rus
ˈre-trō-ˌvī-rəs
: any of a group of RNA-containing viruses (as HIV) that replicate by becoming incorporated into the chromosomes of infected cells in the form of DNA which is produced from the viral RNA
Medical Definition
retrovirus
noun
ret·ro·vi·rus
ˈre-trō-ˌvī-rəs
: any of the family Retroviridae of single-stranded RNA viruses
called also RNA tumor virus
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share