poliovirus

noun

po·​lio·​vi·​rus ˈpō-lē-(ˌ)ō-ˌvī-rəs 

variants or less commonly polio virus

: an enterovirus (species Poliovirus) occurring in three distinct serotypes that cause polio

Note: The poliovirus is typically transmitted orally by food, drink, or hands that are contaminated with infected fecal matter. The virus may sometimes be transmitted by the respiratory droplets or saliva of an infected individual. The poliovirus multiplies in the intestinal tract and sometimes spreads in the bloodstream throughout the body.

Examples of poliovirus in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Wild poliovirus is still endemic in some areas, including Afghanistan and Pakistan. —Soph Warnes, CNN, 2 Feb. 2025

Context: The polio vaccine, which uses inactivated poliovirus strains, has been in use in the United States since 1955 and is deemed safe and effective. —Maya Goldman, Axios, 13 Dec. 2024

The former Czechoslovakia was the first country to demonstrate that nationwide eradication of wild poliovirus was possible in 1960, due to a robust vaccination campaign in which about 93% of children received the oral vaccine. —Soph Warnes, CNN, 2 Feb. 2025

In the mid-20th century, community spaces like swimming pools and sporting events became a source of anxiety for parents who were frightened by the rampant spread of poliovirus. —Caroline C. Boyle, USA TODAY, 18 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

polio- (in poliomyelitis) + virus, later taken as New Latin

First Known Use

1939, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for poliovirus

• antivirus
• herpesvirus
• parvovirus
• reovirus
• retrovirus
• rhinovirus
• rotavirus
• adenovirus
• baculovirus
• coronavirus
• enterovirus
• cytomegalovirus

Medical Definition

poliovirus

noun

po·​lio·​vi·​rus ˈpō-lē-(ˌ)ō-ˌvī-rəs 

variants also polio virus

: a picornavirus of the genus Enterovirus (species Poliovirus) that occurs in three distinct serotypes that cause polio

Note: The poliovirus is typically transmitted orally by food, drink, or hands that are contaminated with infected fecal matter. The virus may sometimes be transmitted by the respiratory droplets or saliva of an infected individual. The poliovirus multiplies in the intestinal tract and sometimes spreads in the bloodstream throughout the body.

A distinctive characteristic of acute polio infection is the predilection of the poliovirus for the nerve cells that control muscles.

—Lauro S. Halstead, Scientific American