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

/ 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.

Other Words From

• beri·beric 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

Beriberi, a disease observed especially among seamen, appears at times in our coast towns.

From Project Gutenberg

One day there was carried to the fort from Chunabatti, the only village for miles round, a Chinaman suffering from beriberi.

From Project Gutenberg

Beriberi (or Berberi) is the name given them by the Hausa (see Bornu).

From Project Gutenberg

It will be noted that “ship-beriberi” is included in this group of diseases.

From Project Gutenberg

It is valuable in this connection to compare the adrenal in scurvy with that of beriberi.

From Project Gutenberg