callous

(kălˈəs)

adjective

1. Having calluses; toughened: callous skin on the elbow.
2. Emotionally hardened; unfeeling: a callous indifference to the suffering of others.

tr. & intr.v. cal·loused, cal·lous·ing, cal·lous·es

Related Forms:

• calˈlous·ly adverb

• calˈlous·ness noun

Usage Note: Do not confuse the adjective callous, as in Years of dealing with criminals had left her callous, with the noun callus, as in I have a callus on my thumb. Also, do not confuse the verb callous, which means “to make or become callous,” with the verb callus “to form or develop hardened tissue.”