callus
1 of 2noun/ˈkæləs/
Forms:calluses
1
an area of skin that has turned hard and rough by being constantly exposed to friction
- The weightlifter's palms were covered in thick calluses from lifting heavy weights.
- His hands bore calluses from years of playing the guitar.
- She developed a callus on her foot after wearing tight shoes for too long.
- The gardener's hands had calluses from digging and planting in the soil.
- He treated his calluses with a special cream to keep his hands smooth.
Synonyms:
2
a localized thickening of plant tissue, often appearing as a stiff or hardened protuberance
- The orchid developed a callus on the lip of its flower.
- Botanists examined the callus on the flower to identify the species.
- A prominent callus can form at the base of the petal in some orchids.
- The callus serves as a structural support for the flower's reproductive parts.
- During growth, the plant developed a callus along the stem.
3
bony tissue that forms at the site of a fractured bone during the healing process
- X-rays showed a callus forming around the broken arm.
- The doctor explained that a strong callus indicates proper bone healing.
- Over time, the callus will remodel and restore the bone's original shape.
- The fracture healed well, with a visible callus bridging the gap.
- Physical therapy began once the callus had sufficiently stabilized the bone.