enzymes found in retroviruses that can synthesize complementary single-strands of DNA from an mRNA sequence as template. They are used in genetic engineering to produce specific cDNA molecules from purified preparations of mRNA.
Source:
PAC, 1992, 64, 143. 'Glossary for chemists of terms used in biotechnology (IUPAC Recommendations 1992)' on page 165 (https://doi.org/10.1351/pac199264010143)