any of a group of viruses that contain two single-strand linear RNA molecules per virion and reverse transcriptase (RNA to DNA); the virus transcribes its RNA into a cDNA provirus that is then incorporated into the host cell
Any of a group of viruses which insert a copy of their RNA genome into the DNA of a host cell, thus changing the genome of that cell.
The term "retrovirus" combines the prefix retro- with virus to describe a pathogen that replicates in the reverse direction compared to most other viruses. This unique backward flow of genetic information distinguishes it from standard viral reproduction.