an infectious tropical disease resembling syphilis in its early stages; marked by red skin eruptions and ulcerating lesions
source: WordNet 3.0
A disease, occurring in the Antilles and in Africa, characterized by yellowish or reddish tumors, of a contagious character, which, in shape and appearance, often resemble currants, strawberries, or raspberries. There are several varieties of this disease, variously known as frambœsia, pian, verrugas, and crab-yaws.