beriberi

[ber-ee-ber-ee]

noun Pathology.

a disease of the peripheral nerves caused by a deficiency of vitamin B1, characterized by pain in and paralysis of the extremities, and severe emaciation or swelling of the body.

Origin of beriberi

1695–1705; < Sinhalese, reduplication of beri weakness

Related formsber·i·ber·ic, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for beriberi

Historical Examples of beriberi

Beriberi (or Berberi) is the name given them by the Hausa (see Bornu).
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 15, Slice 6
Various
It is valuable in this connection to compare the adrenal in scurvy with that of beriberi.
Scurvy Past and Present
Alfred Fabian Hess
Ship-beriberi is generally regarded as a combination of beriberi and scurvy.
Scurvy Past and Present
Alfred Fabian Hess
This relationship was first brought forward by Bradden and Cooper in regard to beriberi.
Scurvy Past and Present
Alfred Fabian Hess
In beriberi, Andrews observed frequent congestion of the spleen and also a loss of normal markings.
Scurvy Past and Present
Alfred Fabian Hess

British Dictionary definitions for beriberi

beriberi

noun

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

Word Origin for beriberi

C19: from Sinhalese, by reduplication from beri weakness

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for beriberi

also beri-beri, paralytic disease prevalent in much of India, 1703, literally "great weakness," intensifying reduplication of Sinhalese beri "weakness."

beriberi in Medicine

beriberi

[bĕr′ē-bĕr′ē]

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

beriberi in Science

beriberi

[bĕr′ē-bĕr′ē]

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