Callus

/ˈkæləs/ · noun

Meaning

A hardened area of the skin (especially on the foot or hand) caused by repeated friction, wear or use..

Definitions by Sense

1. A hardened area of the skin (especially on the foot or hand) caused by repeated friction, wear or use.
2. The material of repair in fractures of bone; a substance exuded at the site of fracture, which is at first soft or cartilaginous in consistency, but is ultimately converted into true bone and unites the fragments into a single piece.
3. (botany) The new formation over the end of a cutting, before it puts out rootlets.
4. (botany) In orchids, a fleshy outgrowth from the labellum.
5. (botany) In grasses, a hardened extension from the base of a floret, which may or may not elongate and is often covered in hairs or bristles.
6. (entomology) A shining area on the frons of many species of Tabanomorpha (horse flies and relatives).
7. (intransitive) To form such hardened tissue.

Example Sentences

Sylvanshine had once been on a first date with a Xerox rep who had complex and slightly repulsive patterns of callus on her fingers from playing the banjo semi-professionally

Synonyms for callus

Antonyms for callus

Related Words

Word Forms

• calluses
• calli
• callusing
• callused

Usage Notes

Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.

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