callosity

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   an area of skin or other tissue that has become thick and hard, especially through repeated pressure or friction

   The baboon rests on prominent ischial callosities that protect the skin beneath its pelvis.

2. 2
   noun

   figurative hardness of feeling; emotional insensitivity or lack of sympathy

   Years of cruelty had produced a troubling callosity toward other people's suffering.

From Middle English callosite, through Anglo-Norman or Old French from Latin callositas, 'hardness or thickness of skin,' based on callum, 'hard skin or callus.' The figurative sense transfers physical hardening to an unfeeling disposition.

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