yaws Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun an infectious tropical disease resembling syphilis in its early stages; marked by red skin eruptions and ulcerating lesions
    framboesia; frambesia.
  2. noun an erratic deflection from an intended course
    yaw; swerve.
  3. verb be wide open
    yawn; yaw; gape.
    • the deep gaping canyon
  4. verb deviate erratically from a set course
    yaw.
    • the yawing motion of the ship
  5. verb swerve off course momentarily
    yaw.
    • the ship yawed when the huge waves hit it

WordNet

Yaws noun
Etymology
African yaw a raspberry.
Definitions
  1. (Med.) 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 framboesia, pian, verrugas, and crab-yaws.

Webster 1913