Real Dictionary

beriberi in American English
a deficiency disease caused by lack of vitamin B1, thiamine, in the diet: it is characterized by nerve disorders and, sometimes, by edema due to heart dysfunction
noun: a disease of the peripheral nerves caused by a deficiency of vitamin B1, characterized by pain in and paralysis of the extremities, and severe emaciation or swelling of the body

beriberi in British English
noun: a disease, endemic in E and S Asia, caused by dietary deficiency of thiamine (vitamin B1). It affects the nerves to the limbs, producing pain, paralysis, and swelling