callus

Meaning

Noun

1. (countable, uncountable) A hardened area of the skin (especially on the foot or hand) caused by repeated friction, wear or use.
2. (countable, uncountable) 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. (countable, uncountable) The new formation over the end of a cutting, before it puts out rootlets.
4. (countable, uncountable) In orchids, a fleshy outgrowth from the labellum.
5. (countable, uncountable) 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. (countable, uncountable) A shining area on the frons of many species of Tabanomorpha (horse flies and relatives).

Verb

To form such hardened tissue.

Synonyms

corn

🌽

callosity

blister

tyle

wart

wound tissue

weal

horny skin

induration

skin

wale

welt

clavus

tylosis

animal epidermis

osteotylus

bleb

callositas

bunion

callous

calluses

chap

dermis

draught

Translations

cal

callo

callo

calo

durillon

callosité

Schwiele

eelt

κάλος

Kallus

Hornhaut

ثفن

cor

calus

durone

🌽

Pronounced as (IPA)

/ˈkæləs/

Etymology

Borrowed from Latin callum (“hard skin”). Displaced native Old English wearr.