beriberi

[ber-ee-ber-ee]

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.

beriberi

/ 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

beriberi

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

Other Word Forms

• beriberic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of beriberi¹

1695–1705; < Sinhalese, reduplication of beri weakness

Word History and Origins

Origin of beriberi¹

C19: from Sinhalese, by reduplication from beri weakness

Example Sentences

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

From BBC

Meanwhile, Dutch army doctor Christian Eijkman had developed his own theory about beriberi after experiments with chickens.

From National Geographic

By August 2019, after being at sea for over a year, the Wei Yu 18 was gripped by a rash of beriberi cases.

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