palm

¹

[pahm]

noun

1. the part of the inner surface of the hand that extends from the wrist to the bases of the fingers.

2. the corresponding part of the forefoot of an animal.

3. the part of a glove covering this part of the hand.

4. Also called sailmaker's palm. a stiff rawhide or metal shield worn over this part of the hand by sailmakers to serve as a thimble.

5. a linear measure of from 3 to 4 inches (7.5 to 10 centimeters), based on the breadth of the hand.

6. a linear measure of from 7 to 10 inches (17.5 to 25 centimeters), based on the length of the hand.

7. the flat, expanded part of the horn or antler of a deer.

8. a flat, widened part at the end of an armlike projection.

9. Nautical.

   1. the blade of an oar.

   2. the inner face of an anchor fluke.

   3. (loosely) an anchor fluke.

10. a flat-topped bearing member at the head of a stanchion.

verb (used with object)

1. to conceal in the palm, as in cheating at cards or dice or in juggling.

2. to pick up stealthily.

3. to hold in the hand.

4. to impose (something) fraudulently (usually followed by on orupon ).

   to palm stolen jewels on someone.

5. to touch or stroke with the palm or hand.

6. to shake hands with.

7. Basketball.,  to grip (the ball) momentarily with the hand in the act of dribbling.

verb phrase

1. palm off,  to dispose of by deception, trickery, or fraud; substitute (something) with intent to deceive.

   Someone had palmed off a forgery on the museum officials.

palm

²

[pahm]

noun

1. any of numerous plants of the family Palmae, most species being tall, unbranched trees surmounted by a crown of large pinnate or palmately cleft leaves.

2. any of various other trees or shrubs that resemble this.

3. a leaf or branch of such a tree, especially as formerly borne to signify victory or as used on festive occasions.

4. a representation of such a leaf or branch, as on a military or other decoration of honor, usually indicating a second award of the decoration.

5. the reward of honor due to a victor.

   In oratory she yields the palm to no one.

6. victory; triumph; success.

   He carried off the palm by sheer perseverance.

palm

¹

/ pɑːm /

noun

1. the inner part of the hand from the wrist to the base of the fingers

2. a corresponding part in animals, esp apes and monkeys

3. a linear measure based on the breadth or length of a hand, equal to three to four inches or seven to ten inches respectively

4. the part of a glove that covers the palm

5. a hard leather shield worn by sailmakers to protect the palm of the hand

6. 1. the side of the blade of an oar that faces away from the direction of a boat's movement during a stroke

   2. the face of the fluke of an anchor

7. a flattened or expanded part of the antlers of certain deer

8. at one's mercy or command

verb

1. to conceal in or about the hand, as in sleight-of-hand tricks

2. to touch or soothe with the palm of the hand

palm

²

/ pɑːm /

noun

1. any treelike plant of the tropical and subtropical monocotyledonous family Arecaceae (formerly Palmae or Palmaceae ), usually having a straight unbranched trunk crowned with large pinnate or palmate leaves

2. a leaf or branch of any of these trees, a symbol of victory, success, etc

3. merit or victory

4. an emblem or insignia representing a leaf or branch worn on certain military decorations

Other Word Forms

• palmlike adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of palm¹

First recorded in 1300–50; from Latin palma (cognate with Old English folm “hand”); replacing Middle English paume, from Middle French, from Latin palma

Origin of palm²

First recorded before 900; Middle English palm(e), paume, pame, Old English palm, palma, from Latin palma “palm tree,” special use of palma palm ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of palm¹

C14 paume, via Old French from Latin palma; compare Old English folm palm of the hand, Greek palamē

Origin of palm²

Old English, from Latin palma, from the likeness of its spreading fronds to a hand; see _palm ¹

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. grease someone's palm, to bribe: Also cross someone's palm

   Before any work could begin, it was necessary to grease the superintendent's palm.

More idioms and phrases containing palm

• cross someone's palm
• grease someone's palm
• itchy palm

Example Sentences

From the top of La Playa Stadium, you can see the beach, palm trees and many boats in the harbor.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The gardens are designed to have more than 200 species of plants and trees, including palms, oaks, sycamores, succulents and olives.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

That night, standing with Amy in a dark, abandoned prison, I felt my heart race and I wiped my sweaty palms again and again on my shirt to keep the grip on my flashlight.

Read more on Salon

Inside, the gardens are divided into houses highlighting different plants and climates — from the Palm House with over 70 palms, to the fern room, to the desert house filled with cacti and succulents.

Read more on Salon

He was looking at a row of palm trees in linear formation, like soldiers awaiting inspection, lining the road as far as the eye could see.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• brush 
• caress 
• feel 
• handle 
• hit 
• kiss 
• lick 
• pat 
• reach 
• rub 
• strike 
• stroke 
• tap