callus

1 of 2

noun

cal·​lus ˈka-ləs How to pronounce callus (audio)
Synonyms of callus
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
But the way my foot broke, there are calluses in there that create a different type of foot structure with those bones. — Dan Wiederer, New York Times, 24 June 2026 To watch calluses form on the tips of my tiny fingers and to become a constant observer of the human condition. — Cathy Applefeld Olson, Forbes.com, 12 June 2026
Verb
Prison is a place of survival and yes, the book is very keen on studying the ability to retain one’s tenderness in conditions that are intentional about callusing them. — Literary Hub, 2 Sep. 2026 Just like propagating other succulents, cuttings from these plants should be allowed to callus for a few days and then planted in soil to avoid issues with rot. — Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for callus

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

Rhymes for callus

See All Rhymes for callus

Browse Nearby Words

call upon
callus
call-waiting
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Callus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/callus. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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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

More from Merriam-Webster on callus

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for callus

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about callus

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