polio
n. uncountablen. a serious disease caused by a virus that can damage the nerves and make it impossible to move certain muscles. Most people are now protected from it by a vaccine when they are children.
n. an infectious viral disease, formally known as poliomyelitis, that can affect the central nervous system and cause temporary or permanent paralysis. Often used in historical or public health contexts regarding global eradication efforts.
The invention of the vaccine helped to eliminate polio in many countries.
Public health officials worked tirelessly throughout the mid-twentieth century to ensure every child received protection against polio.
While polio has been nearly eradicated globally, the history of its outbreaks remains a significant case study in the development of modern immunology and mass vaccination protocols.
First element of polio(myelitis).
Typically used without an article when referring to the disease itself.