callus

noun

cal·lus | \ ˈka-ləs

Definition of callus

(Entry 1 of 2)

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

verb

callused; callusing; calluses

Definition of callus (Entry 2 of 2)

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

Apply to your feet as needed and focus on dry patches and calluses to soften your skin. — Joy Bauer, Woman's Day, "12 Ways to Prevent Food from Going to Waste," 10 Apr. 2017 Many arrived dehydrated, with ulcers and calluses on their feet. — Juan Montes, WSJ, "Caravan Heads North After Migrants Cross Into Mexico," 22 Oct. 2018 According to Kansas City's Fox 4 News, Dillon believes the burn is the result of a callus-removing gel that was accidentally dripped on top of her foot, where the burns ultimately developed. — Marci Robin, Good Housekeeping, "Woman Says She Suffered Horrifying Burns on Her Foot During Salon Pedicure," 7 Nov. 2017 The emotional calluses of a 25-year career in law enforcement appeared to have been ripped away when Boise Police Chief Bill Bones stepped in front of the cameras at City Hall West on July 1. — Katy Moeller, idahostatesman, "A week after stabbings, his city gives Boise's police chief hope 'to create good out of horror'," 7 July 2018 And for those with extra-gnarly calluses, this Tweezerman rasp that writer Kase Wickman uses to shave off the thick husks of skin around the balls of her feet is also on sale. — The Editors, The Strategist, "There Are a Bunch of Tweezerman Products on Sale at Ulta Right Now," 26 June 2018 Truman’s Gentlemen’s Groomers, which has two locations in Manhattan, offers a basic treatment ($57) that includes clipping, filing and buffing, as well as an exfoliating scrub to attack those unsightly calluses or bunions. — Max Berlinger, New York Times, "Men, Are You Wearing Sandals This Summer? Read This First," 13 June 2018 According to Nails magazine, the most common active ingredients found in callus-removing formulas are urea, salicylic acid (which is commonly found in acne treatments) and potassium hydroxide. — Marci Robin, Good Housekeeping, "Woman Says She Suffered Horrifying Burns on Her Foot During Salon Pedicure," 7 Nov. 2017 Camels can close their nostrils, and their large, broad feet have thick calluses that expand and contract to help them walk on shifting sands and rocky terrain. — Elaina Zachos, National Geographic, "This is How Camels Can Eat Spikey Cacti," 30 May 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

Just as blisters are badges of honor for distance runners, callused fingers become a rite of passage for any climber. — Jen Murphy, WSJ, "Forget Your Washboard Abs, the Hottest Workout Is for Your Fingers," 28 Nov. 2018 Kendall Jenner likes tiny fish chomping at her callused feet. — Samantha Sasso, refinery29.com, "The Secret To Cate Blanchett's Glowing Skin Is X-Rated," 14 Mar. 2018 Over the years, the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race has left Lanier callused, frostbitten, broken and bruised. — Tegan Hanlon, Anchorage Daily News, "The Iditarod gave this musher broken bones and frostbitten toes. At 77, he’s not ready to stop racing.," 5 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'callus.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.