rétrovirus

retrovirus

noun reh-troh-vee-ROOS Rare

Usage Note

Rétrovirus is a class of RNA virus that inserts its genetic material into the host's DNA; HIV is the best-known example. The term is used in medical and scientific contexts. The plural is identical: des rétrovirus. The adjective is rétroviral.

Examples

"Le VIH est un rétrovirus bien connu."

Natural Translation

HIV is a well-known retrovirus.

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