CALLUS (calli)

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

Irregular inflected form: calli   

 Dictionary entry overview: What does callus mean? 

• CALLUS (noun)
  The noun CALLUS has 3 senses:

1. an area of skin that is thick or hard from continual pressure or friction (as the sole of the foot)

2. bony tissue formed during the healing of a fractured bone

3. (botany) an isolated thickening of tissue, especially a stiff protuberance on the lip of an orchid

  Familiarity information: CALLUS used as a noun is uncommon.

• CALLUS (verb)
  The verb CALLUS has 2 senses:

1. cause a callus to form on

2. form a callus or calluses

  Familiarity information: CALLUS used as a verb is rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• CALLUS (noun)

Sense 1

Meaning:

An area of skin that is thick or hard from continual pressure or friction (as the sole of the foot)

Classified under:

Nouns denoting stable states of affairs

Synonyms:

callosity; callus

Hypernyms ("callus" is a kind of...):

hardening (abnormal hardening or thickening of tissue)

Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "callus"):

clavus; corn (a hard thickening of the skin (especially on the top or sides of the toes) caused by the pressure of ill-fitting shoes)

Derivation:

callus (form a callus or calluses)

callus (cause a callus to form on)

Sense 2

Meaning:

Bony tissue formed during the healing of a fractured bone

Classified under:

Nouns denoting stable states of affairs

Hypernyms ("callus" is a kind of...):

cicatrice; cicatrix; scar (a mark left (usually on the skin) by the healing of injured tissue)

Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "callus"):

chestnut (a small horny callus on the inner surface of a horse's leg)

Sense 3

Meaning:

(botany) an isolated thickening of tissue, especially a stiff protuberance on the lip of an orchid

Classified under:

Nouns denoting plants

Hypernyms ("callus" is a kind of...):

enation; plant process (a natural projection or outgrowth from a plant body or organ)

Domain category:

botany; phytology (the branch of biology that studies plants)

• CALLUS (verb)

Present simple: I / you / we / they callus    ... he / she / it calluses   
Past simple: callused   
Past participle: callused   
-ing form: callusing   

Sense 1

Meaning:

Cause a callus to form on

Classified under:

Verbs of size, temperature change, intensifying, etc.

Context example:

The long march had callused his feet

Hypernyms (to "callus" is one way to...):

harden; indurate (make hard or harder)

Sentence frame:

Something ----s something

Derivation:

callus (an area of skin that is thick or hard from continual pressure or friction (as the sole of the foot))

Sense 2

Meaning:

Form a callus or calluses

Classified under:

Verbs of size, temperature change, intensifying, etc.

Context example:

His foot callused

Hypernyms (to "callus" is one way to...):

harden; indurate (become hard or harder)

Sentence frame:

Something ----s

Derivation:

callus (an area of skin that is thick or hard from continual pressure or friction (as the sole of the foot))

 Context examples 

Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument (MNSI) Physical assessment; appearance of right foot - dry skin, callus.

(MNSI - Right Foot Dry Skin, Callus, NCI Thesaurus)

It can result from normal use (corns, calluses), chronic inflammation (eczema), or genetic disorders (X-linked ichthyosis, ichthyosis vulgaris).

(Hyperkeratosis, NCI Dictionary)

Any horny growth such as a wart or callus.

(Keratosis, NLM, Medical Subject Headings)

Corns and calluses are caused by pressure or friction on your skin.

(Corns and Calluses, NIH: National Institute on Aging)

Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument (MNSI) Physical assessment; appearance of left foot - dry skin, callus.

(MNSI - Left Foot Dry Skin, Callus, NCI Thesaurus)

Good foot hygiene is also crucial: • Check your feet every day • Wash your feet every day • Keep the skin soft and smooth • Smooth corns and calluses gently • If you can see, reach, and feel your feet, trim your toenails regularly. If you cannot, ask a foot doctor (podiatrist) to trim them for you. • Wear shoes and socks at all times • Protect your feet from hot and cold • Keep the blood flowing to your feet

(Diabetic Foot, NIH: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases)

Here are a few common problems: • Bunions - hard, painful bumps on the big toe joint • Corns and calluses - thickened skin from friction or pressure • Plantar warts - warts on the soles of your feet • Fallen arches - also called flat feet

(Foot Injuries and Disorders, NIH)

To avoid infection, do not try to shave off the corn or callus.

(Corns and Calluses, NIH: National Institute on Aging)

Calluses also can appear on hands or other areas that are rubbed or pressed.

(Corns and Calluses, NIH: National Institute on Aging)

Corns usually appear on the tops or sides of toes while calluses form on the soles of feet.

(Corns and Calluses, NIH: National Institute on Aging)