Definition

Noun: 1. A virus capable of causing tumors: A tumor virus is a type of virus that can induce the formation of tumors or cancers in its host organism by altering the normal growth control mechanisms of infected cells.

Usage

The term "tumor virus" is used in medical and biological contexts to classify and discuss viruses with oncogenic (cancer-causing) potential. * Scientists have identified several tumor viruses, such as human papillomavirus (HPV) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). * The research focuses on understanding how the tumor virus integrates its genetic material into the host cell's DNA.

Advanced Usage

• "DNA tumor virus": A tumor virus whose genetic material is DNA (e.g., papillomaviruses, adenoviruses).
• "RNA tumor virus": A tumor virus whose genetic material is RNA, also known as a retrovirus (e.g., Human T-lymphotropic virus).

Variants and Related Words

• Oncovirus (n): A synonym for tumor virus, specifically a virus associated with cancer.
• Oncogenic virus (n): Another precise synonym emphasizing the cancer-causing property.

Synonyms

• Oncogenic virus
• Oncovirus

Related Phrases

• Viral oncogenesis: The process by which a tumor virus causes cancer.
• Tumorigenic potential: The capability of a virus (or other agent) to cause tumors.

Noun

1. a cell-free filtrate held to be a virus responsible for a specific neoplasm