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

Gently removing calluses: An MNT will use sophisticated tools, such as a sharp, sterile blade designed to remove corns and calluses or a rotating tool to buff these down. —Maxine Lipner, Verywell Health, 3 Feb. 2025

Blisters or calluses are another side effect of ill-fitting shoes. —Julia Ries, Outside Online, 21 Dec. 2024

Verb

From nail care to callus removal, special tools and techniques will ensure no injury occurs. —Maxine Lipner, Verywell Health, 3 Feb. 2025

This allows the stem to callus where it was cut or broken, which helps prevent disease. —Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 13 Dec. 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