Callus: meaning, definitions and examples

A thickened and hardened part of the skin, typically on the hands or feet, caused by repeated friction, pressure, or irritation. Often associated with manual labor or activities that involve extensive use of hands or feet.

• After weeks of hiking, a painful callus formed on his heel
• Guitar players often develop calluses on their fingertips

A small, painful area of thickened skin, usually on the toes, caused by pressure or friction. Often smaller and more localized than a callus.

• She had a corn removed from her toe by the podiatrist
• Tight shoes often lead to the development of corns

A painful swelling on the first joint of the big toe, caused by inflammation and pressure. Typically associated with wearing tight shoes or genetic predisposition.

• She had to buy special shoes because of the bunion on her foot
• A podiatrist recommended surgery to treat her bunion

A condition where the skin becomes thickened and tough, similar to a callus, but used more in a medical or formal context.

• The doctor noted callosity on the laborer's palms
• Callosity can be quite uncomfortable if left untreated

Use when referring to thickened or toughened skin that develops usually on hands or feet from repeated friction or pressure.

• She developed a callus on her palm from lifting heavy weights

Use when talking about a mark left on the skin or within body tissue where a wound, burn, or sore has not completely healed, indicating damage repair.

• He had a scar on his knee from the bicycle accident

Use in a more medical or scientific context to describe tissue that has become firm or tough, often due to a condition or repeated irritation.

• The doctor noted the presence of hardened tissue around the wound