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
Once the peeling process is over, soles feel much softer and smoother while also dissolving some calluses. Jessie Quinn, Peoplemag, 14 Mar. 2024 Ideal for those seeking a stylish addition to their decor. Find it on Amazon Get an at-Home Pedicure With This Glass Foot File Get rid of calluses with this pink glass foot file. Taylor Gumm, Rolling Stone, 20 Feb. 2024 The best critics maintain sensitivity, avoiding calluses, like a safecracker sanding down his fingertips. Parul Sehgal, The New Yorker, 4 Dec. 2023 Blisters and calluses are battle wounds, but in some cases, a cobbler can help. Erika Veurink, Vogue, 22 Dec. 2023 Around 70% of dogs develop paw pad calluses, especially in active breeds. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 5 Nov. 2023 Yes, many paw balms are formulated to address issues like calluses and rough paw pads. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 5 Nov. 2023 Norman Powell, one Clippers veteran who has developed calluses from hearing his name in trade talks throughout his career, said accepting a player’s lack of control over their career path is one of few ways to cope with speculation. Andrew Greif, Los Angeles Times, 20 Oct. 2023 Grab a tub of warm water and melt the foot pain away using this soak that softens heels and eradicates calluses. Emily Shiffer, Women's Health, 9 Sep. 2023
Verb
Our feet, in particular, are one area that, with the exception of pedicures, can easily become overlooked, resulting in dry, cracked, and callused soles. Jessie Quinn, Peoplemag, 14 Mar. 2024 The best to hope for is that the tree will callus over the wounded area. oregonlive, 18 June 2023 This handy product is made with natural and organic ingredients, including beeswax and shea butter, to provide a soothing moisturizer for not only dry noses and paw pads but also rough elbows and callused areas. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 21 May 2023 And for added comfort, these sneakers come with a removable anatomical insole, which helps support the arch and cushion the foot, protecting the metatarsal and heels by reducing pain, callus build-up, and pressure, says Dr. Yau. April Benshosan, Health, 5 May 2023 His arms and face were tanned from perpetually toiling in the sun, his fingers callused. Selene Rivera, Los Angeles Times, 30 Mar. 2023 The Malin + Goetz Peppermint Body Scrub is an intensive exfoliator and callus remover that's become another one of Dr. Nazarian's favorite treatments for soft feet. Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 13 Mar. 2023 After cutting it, allow the cutting to callus over. Evan Hecht, USA TODAY, 17 Aug. 2022 Allow for the leaf to callus over before planting, similar to using cuttings. Evan Hecht, USA TODAY, 17 Aug. 2022

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 28 Mar. 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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