retrovirus

noun

Etymology: From retro- + virus, from its reverse direction of replication.

1. 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.

   “Montagnier soon deduced that this was an RNA virus that could convert its genes into DNA and lodge into the human genome—a retrovirus.”

2. A computer virus that seeks to attack antivirus programs in an attempt to avoid detection.