calluses

Noun

callus (countable and uncountable, plural calluses or (hypercorrect) calli)

1. A hardened area of the skin (especially on the foot or hand) caused by repeated friction, wear or use.
   • Sylvanshine had once been on a first date with a Xerox rep who had complex and slightly repulsive patterns of callus on her fingers from playing the banjo semi-professionally2011, David Foster Wallace, The Pale King, page 17
2. 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. The new formation over the end of a cutting, before it puts out rootlets.
4. In orchids, a fleshy outgrowth from the labellum.
5. 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. A shining area on the frons of many species of Tabanomorpha (horse flies and relatives).

See all 7 meanings of callus