Retrovirus
(noun)
A virus that is able to insert a copy of its genetic material into the DNA of the host cell.
Origin:
From "retro-" meaning "backwards" and "virus" meaning "poison".
Examples:
- HIV is a retrovirus that attacks the immune system.
- The scientists were studying the behavior of the retrovirus in the laboratory.
- Retroviruses are known to cause cancer in animals.
- Retroviral therapy is used to treat certain genetic disorders.
- The retrovirus was able to replicate itself within the host cell by reverse transcription.