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)
Examples of retrovirus in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
That requires a set of molecules and enzymes that don't exist in humans and are largely reserved for retroviruses.
—
Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 19 Sep. 2025
Back in the evolutionary past, some of the proteins known as HERV-K Env studded the outside of the HERV-K retroviruses.
—Ashley MacKin Solomon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Sep. 2025
Of particular concern are ones called porcine endogenous retroviruses that hide out in the pig genome.
—Amber Dance, Smithsonian Magazine, 7 Mar. 2025
Koalas are also vulnerable to cancers, fungal infections, herpes, parasites, kidney problems, mange, and a retrovirus that might leave them immunocompromised.
—Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 17 June 2024
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Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 19 Sep. 2025
Back in the evolutionary past, some of the proteins known as HERV-K Env studded the outside of the HERV-K retroviruses.
—Ashley MacKin Solomon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Sep. 2025
Of particular concern are ones called porcine endogenous retroviruses that hide out in the pig genome.
—Amber Dance, Smithsonian Magazine, 7 Mar. 2025
Koalas are also vulnerable to cancers, fungal infections, herpes, parasites, kidney problems, mange, and a retrovirus that might leave them immunocompromised.
—Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 17 June 2024
See All Example Sentences for retrovirus
Cite this Entry
“Retrovirus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/retrovirus. Accessed 6 Nov. 2025.
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
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