# polio

/ˈpoʊɫiˌoʊ/ (US) · /pˈəʊlɪˌəʊ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/polio
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. the disease

noun · CEFR B2

Stands for poliomyelitis. A serious disease caused by a virus that can lead to paralysis, especially in children.

For teachers: Abbreviation for poliomyelitis. An acute viral infection of the motor neurons of the spinal cord, historically significant for causing widespread paralysis before the development of vaccines.

- The invention of the vaccine helped to almost completely eliminate polio in many countries.
- Public health initiatives in the mid-twentieth century focused heavily on the eradication of polio through mass immunisation campaigns.

Usage: Usually used as an uncountable noun without an article.

## Examples

- 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.