Main Entry: beri·beri

Pronunciation: \ˈber-ē-ˈber-ē, ˈbe-rē-ˈbe-rē\

Function: noun

Etymology: Sinhalese bæribæri

Date: 1703

: a deficiency disease marked by inflammatory or degenerative changes of the nerves, digestive system, and heart and caused by a lack of or inability to assimilate thiamine