The term used to describe the phase when a virus injects its genetic material into a host cell is called viral integration. During this process, a virus attaches to the host cell and delivers its genetic material (either DNA or RNA) into the host. This genetic material can integrate into the host's own genome, hijacking the host's cellular machinery to replicate and produce new viral particles. This stage is critical in the viral life cycle, influencing aspects such as viral propagation and the potential for the development of diseases in the host organism. Understanding this phase is essential for virology and developing antiviral therapies.