Callus: meaning, definitions and examples

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callus

[ ˈkæləs ]

^{Context #1}

on skin

A thickened and hardened part of the skin or soft tissue, especially caused by repeated friction or pressure.

Synonyms

bunion, callosity, corn

Examples of usage

The callus on his hand showed where he had been working hard.
She developed a callus on her foot after walking long distances.

^{Context #2}

in plants

A toughened area on a plant, especially a tree, caused by friction or pressure.

Synonyms

hardened tissue, scar

Examples of usage

The callus on the tree trunk formed after being rubbed by a rope.
The gardener noticed a callus on the stem of the plant.

^{Context #3}

medical

To form a callus on the skin or soft tissue.

Synonyms

harden, thicken

Examples of usage

The wound will callus over time and heal properly.
The doctor explained that the broken bone would callus as part of the healing process.

Translations

Translations of the word "callus" in other languages:

🇵🇹 calo

🇮🇳 तलवा

🇩🇪 Schwiele

🇮🇩 kapalan

🇺🇦 мозоль

🇵🇱 odcisk

🇯🇵 たこ (たこ)

🇫🇷 callosité

🇪🇸 callo

🇹🇷 nasır

🇰🇷 굳은살 (gudeunsal)

🇸🇦 مسمار القدم

🇨🇿 mozol

🇸🇰 mozol

🇨🇳 老茧 (lǎo jiǎn)

🇸🇮 žulj

🇮🇸 sigg

🇰🇿 қабыршақ

🇬🇪 კალუსი (kalusi)

🇦🇿 qabar

🇲🇽 callo

Word origin

The word 'callus' originated in the mid-16th century from the Latin word 'callosus', meaning 'hard-skinned'. It was initially used in the context of skin hardening. Over time, the term expanded to include the toughened areas on plants as well. The verb form of 'callus' emerged in medical terminology to describe the process of skin or tissue healing by forming a callus. Today, 'callus' is commonly used in both medical and everyday language to refer to hardened or thickened areas.

See also: call, caller, calling, callous, calls, recall.