beriberi

American  

[ber-ee-ber-ee] / ˈbɛr iˈbɛr i /

noun

Pathology.

1. a disease of the peripheral nerves caused by a deficiency of vitamin B 1 , characterized by pain in and paralysis of the extremities, and severe emaciation or swelling of the body.

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beriberi British  

/ ˌbɛrɪˈbɛrɪ /

noun

1. a disease, endemic in E and S Asia, caused by dietary deficiency of thiamine (vitamin B 1 ). It affects the nerves to the limbs, producing pain, paralysis, and swelling

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beriberi Scientific  

/ bĕr′ē-bĕr′ē /

1. A disease caused by a deficiency of thiamine, endemic in eastern and southern Asia, and characterized by neurological symptoms, cardiovascular abnormalities, and edema.

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Other Word Forms

• beriberic
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of beriberi

1695–1705; < Sinhalese, reduplication of beri weakness

Example Sentences

Beriberi was responsible for the hospitalisation and death of a number of Cambodian and Thai fishermen earlier this year who had been aboard a Saya de Malha reefer for nine months continuously.

From The Guardian • Dec. 14, 2016

Beriberi in the rice bowl proved to be one of the simplest diseases to prevent and cure.

From Time Magazine Archive

Beriberi was particularly prevalent in those days among Eastern peoples whose diet consisted mainly of polished rice.

From Time Magazine Archive

Beriberi, a disease caused by vitamin B deficiency, is common in Southern China, where the main food is polished rice.

From Time Magazine Archive

Beriberi, ber′i-ber-i, n. an Eastern disease marked by an�mia, paralysis, and dropsical symptoms.

From Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary (part 1 of 4: A-D) by Various