provirus

[ proh-vahy-ruhs, proh-vahy- ]

noun

, plural pro·vi·rus·es.

1. a viral form that is incorporated into the genetic material of a host cell.

provirus

/ ˈprəʊˌvaɪrəs /

noun

1. the inactive form of a virus in a host cell

Word History and Origins

Origin of provirus¹

1945–50; pro- ¹ + virus, on the model of prophage

Example Sentences

Viruses insert their genomes into their hosts in the form of a provirus.

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