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

Weiser suggests looking for stretchy material, which ensures a comfortable walking experience and also reduces the risk of foot pain due to friction, which can cause blisters, corns and calluses. —Samson McDougall, Verywell Health, 2 Dec. 2024

Ingrown nails will be trimmed; calluses, corns, and loose skin will be removed; cracked heels or other problem areas will be soothed. —Zoe Ruffner, Vogue, 22 Nov. 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