replicative formmedical dictionary  An intermediate stage in the
replication of either DNA or RNA viral genomes that is usually
double stranded, the altered, double-stranded form to which
single-stranded coliphage DNA is converted after infection of a
susceptible bacterium, formation of the complementary ("minus")
strand being mediated by enzymes that were present in the
bacterium before entrance of the viral ("plus") strand.  (05 Mar
2000)