beriberi Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun avitaminosis caused by lack of thiamine (vitamin B1)

WordNet

Be`ri*be"ri noun
Etymology
Singhalese beri weakness.
Definitions
  1. An acute disease occurring in India, characterized by multiple inflammatory changes in the nerves, producing great muscular debility, a painful rigidity of the limbs, and cachexy.

Webster 1913