provirus

noun

pro·​vi·​rus (ˌ)prō-ˈvī-rəs How to pronounce provirus (audio)
: a form of a virus that is integrated into the genetic material of a host cell and by replicating with it can be transmitted from one cell generation to the next without causing lysis
proviral adjective

Word History

Etymology

New Latin

First Known Use

1949, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of provirus was in 1949

Dictionary Entries Near provirus

Cite this Entry

“Provirus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/provirus. Accessed 27 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

provirus

noun
pro·​vi·​rus (ˈ)prō-ˈvī-rəs How to pronounce provirus (audio)
: a form of a virus that is integrated into the genetic material of a host cell and by replicating with it can be transmitted from one cell generation to the next without causing lysis
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