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

He suffered dysentery, beriberi, ulcerated skin and repeated bouts of malaria.

From BBC

Meanwhile, sailors on long voyages had long been suffering from another ailment: beriberi, which can cause heart failure and a loss of sensation in the legs and feet.

From National Geographic

On the rare occasions that Chinese captains airlift beriberi victims to land, it is usually when ships are near mainland China.

From Los Angeles Times

She had been suffering from scurvy, beriberi and pellagra since her hospital stay.

From Seattle Times

Ulcers, beriberi from lack of vitamin B, tuberculosis, and burst arteries are among the ailments common among those workers, the report said, citing local doctors.

From Seattle Times