prophage

(prōˈfājˌ)

noun
The latent form of a bacteriophage in which the viral genes are incorporated into the bacterial chromosomes without causing disruption of the bacterial cell.

Origin:

Origin: Short for French probactériophage

Origin: : Greek pro-, before; see pro-2

Origin: + French bactériophage, bacteriophage; see bacterio-

Origin: + Greek -phagos, -phage

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