callus

1 of 2

noun

cal·​lus ˈka-ləs How to pronounce callus (audio)
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
When the callus has formed, place the bottom of the branch or arm about an inch into the soil of a pot. Lauren David, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Oct. 2024 Pain and swelling are signs of an infected corn or callus. Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 2 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 See all Example Sentences for callus 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'callus.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of callus was in 1563

Dictionary Entries Near callus

Cite this Entry

“Callus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/callus. Accessed 13 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

callus

1 of 2 noun
cal·​lus ˈkal-əs How to pronounce callus (audio)
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 How to pronounce callus (audio)
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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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