eclipse phase
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e·clipse pe·ri·od
the time between infection by (or induction of) a bacteriophage, or other virus, and the appearance of mature virus within the cell; an interval of time during which viral infectivity cannot be recovered.
Synonym(s): eclipse phase
Farlex Partner Medical Dictionary © Farlex 2012
eclipse phase
The phase of the viral life cycle during which a virus enters a cell to parasitize it. The phase includes the attachment of the virus to the cell membrane, penetration of the cell by the virus, and the uncoating of the virus once it has entered the cytoplasm. During this phase in its life cycle, no progeny virus is found within the cell.
See also: phase
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