Virus
defective virus
de·fec·tive vi·rus
Subclass of:
Virus
Definitions related to defective viruses:
  • (defective virus) Virus which lacks a complete genome so that it cannot completely replicate or cannot form a protein coat; some are host-dependent defectives, meaning they can replicate only in cell systems which provide the particular genetic function which they lack; others, called satellite viruses, are able to replicate only when their genetic defect is complemented by a helper virus.
    CRISP Thesaurus
    National Institutes of Health, 2006
  • Viruses which lack a complete genome so that they cannot completely replicate or cannot form a protein coat. Some are host-dependent defectives, meaning they can replicate only in cell systems which provide the particular genetic function which they lack. Others, called SATELLITE VIRUSES, are able to replicate only when their genetic defect is complemented by a helper virus.
    NLM Medical Subject Headings
    U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2021
Try this search on: Farlex, Merriam-Webster, Oxford Dictionary, or Wordnik

This content should not be used in place of medically-reviewed decision support reference material or professional medical advice. Some terms may have alternate or updated definitions not reflected in this set. The definitions on this page should not be considered complete or up to date.