/ ˈpəʊliəʊ; NAmE ˈpoʊlioʊ/ (also formal polio·my·el·itis / ˌpəʊliəʊˌmaɪəˈlaɪtɪs; NAmE ˌpoʊlioʊ-/) noun
[ U ] an infectious disease that affects the central nervous system and can cause temporary or permanent paralysis (= loss of control or feeling in part or most of the body)