callus

1 of 2

noun

cal·​lus ˈka-ləs 

1

: a thickening of or a hard thickened area on skin or bark

2

: a mass of exudate and connective tissue that forms around a break in a bone and is converted into bone in healing

3

: soft tissue that forms over a wounded or cut plant surface

callus

2 of 2

verb

callused; callusing; calluses

intransitive verb

: to form callus

transitive verb

: to cause callus to form on

Examples of callus in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Giacomo Naldi, Sinner’s physiotherapist, cut his finger while reaching into a bag that contained a scalpel used to treat calluses on Sinner’s feet. —Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 28 Sep. 2024

What’s the best way to soften corns and calluses, and get rid of dry skin? —Daley Quinn Published, Health, 25 Oct. 2024

Verb

Those with sweaty pits and callused hands — asphalt rakers, flatbed drivers, farmers, and welders — already know the score. —Letters To The Editor, Orlando Sentinel, 16 June 2024

Often, a keelboat could manage just two crossings a day, for a total of 15 or 20 miles; afterward, their shirts bloodied, their shoulders callused, the men were rewarded with a fillee—a cup of whiskey chased by a cup of river water. —Boyce Upholt, Smithsonian Magazine, 11 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Latin

First Known Use

Noun

1563, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1824, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Kids Definition

callus

1 of 2 noun

cal·​lus ˈkal-əs 

plural calluses

1

: a hard thickened area on skin or bark

2

: a mass of tissue that forms around a break in a bone and is changed into bone in the healing of the break

3

: tissue that forms over an injured plant surface

callus

2 of 2 verb

: to form callus

Medical Definition

callus

noun

cal·​lus ˈkal-əs 

1

: a thickening of or a hard thickened area on skin

2

: a mass of exudate and connective tissue that forms around a break in a bone and is converted into bone in the healing of the break