Word
callus
Phoneticscal·lus, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈkæɫəs/
UK/kˈæləs/
Countable noun
Definition
n. a thick, hard patch of skin that forms where something rubs again and again, like on your hands or feet.
n. a localised area of thickened, hardened skin resulting from repeated friction or pressure. Typically forms on the hands or feet at points of sustained mechanical stress.
Examples
“He has a callus on his hand from gardening.”
“After weeks of breaking in new hiking boots, she developed a painful callus on her heel.”
“Years of playing the violin had left a firm callus on his fingertips, a quiet record of practice that allowed him to press the strings without pain.”
Examples
simple
“He has a callus on his hand from gardening.”
contextual
“After weeks of breaking in new hiking boots, she developed a painful callus on her heel.”
complex
“Years of playing the violin had left a firm callus on his fingertips, a quiet record of practice that allowed him to press the strings without pain.”
Real-World Examples
“As this is a beginner's guide to climbing, we will save the conversations about callus management for another time.” Etymology
Borrowed from Latin callum (“hard skin”). Displaced Old English wearr.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Related words
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/callus