noun

beriberi

beh-ree-BEH-ree/ˌbɛriˈbɛri/

A disease caused by severe lack of vitamin B1.

The patient with beriberi has swollen ankles and severe weakness.

A visibly weak patient with swollen ankles sits on an examination bench while a clinician shows a simple vitamin B1 test result with its marker at the extreme low end of the reference range.

Etymology

Repeating beri intensifies “weakness” into “great weakness.” The disease's name describes its debilitating effects rather than identifying the vitamin deficiency that causes it.

In context

JJ Medicine1:03

because vitamin b1 deficiency is what's going to lead to beriberi

Beriberi (Thiamine Deficiency): Wet vs Dry Beriberi, Pathophysiology, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment

More examples

Doctors treat beriberi by replacing the missing vitamin B1.
A diet lacking vitamin B1 can lead to beriberi.
Untreated beriberi can damage nerves and affect the heart.

Forms

beriberi