# callus

/ˈkæɫəs/ (US) · /kˈæləs/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/callus
Updated: 2026-10-19

## Definition

a thick, hard patch of skin that forms where something rubs again and again, like on your hands or feet.

For teachers: 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.