Callused: meaning, definitions and examples

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callused

 

[ ˈkæl.jʊst ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

physical condition

Callused refers to an area of skin that has become toughened and thickened due to repeated friction, pressure, or irritation. This condition typically develops on the hands or feet, but can occur on any part of the body that experiences excessive rubbing. Calluses serve a protective function by shielding the underlying skin from injury. While they are usually harmless and can provide some comfort during daily activities, excessive callusing may indicate an underlying issue or may cause discomfort.

Synonyms

hardened, thickened, toughened

Examples of usage

  • He developed callused hands from years of labor.
  • Her callused soles made walking barefoot easier.
  • The gardener had callused fingers from using tools.
  • After months of practice, my fingertips became callused from playing the guitar.

Translations

Translations of the word "callused" in other languages:

🇵🇹 caloso

🇮🇳 काला

🇩🇪 verhornhautete

🇮🇩 kekasaran

🇺🇦 огрубілий

🇵🇱 zgrubiały

🇯🇵 硬い

🇫🇷 callosité

🇪🇸 calloso

🇹🇷 sertleşmiş

🇰🇷 굳은

🇸🇦 خشن

🇨🇿 zhrubělý

🇸🇰 hrubý

🇨🇳 粗糙的

🇸🇮 otrdel

🇮🇸 harður

🇰🇿 қатал

🇬🇪 სქელი

🇦🇿 qalın

🇲🇽 calloso

Etymology

The word 'callused' originates from the Latin word 'calŭs', meaning 'hard skin' or 'callus'. It entered the English language in the late Middle Ages as a description for hardened areas of the skin that develop as protective barriers. Historically, calluses have been associated with manual labor, where hands and feet often endure significant wear and tear, leading to this phenomenon. Over time, the term has expanded to include not just the physical aspect of skin but also metaphorically indicating emotional or psychological toughness, as in a 'callused heart'. The evolution of the word reflects both its physical and metaphorical applications in the English language.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #34,520 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.