palm
1the part of the inner surface of the hand that extends from the wrist to the bases of the fingers.
the corresponding part of the forefoot of an animal.
the part of a glove covering this part of the hand.
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.
a linear measure of from 3 to 4 inches (7.5 to 10 centimeters), based on the breadth of the hand.
a linear measure of from 7 to 10 inches (17.5 to 25 centimeters), based on the length of the hand.
the flat, expanded part of the horn or antler of a deer.
a flat, widened part at the end of an armlike projection.
Nautical.
the blade of an oar.
the inner face of an anchor fluke.
(loosely) an anchor fluke.
a flat-topped bearing member at the head of a stanchion.
to conceal in the palm, as in cheating at cards or dice or in juggling.
to pick up stealthily.
to hold in the hand.
to impose (something) fraudulently (usually followed by on or upon): to palm stolen jewels on someone.
to touch or stroke with the palm or hand.
to shake hands with.
Basketball. to grip (the ball) momentarily with the hand in the act of dribbling.
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.
Idioms about palm
grease someone's palm, to bribe: Before any work could begin, it was necessary to grease the superintendent's palm.: Also cross someone's palm .
Origin of palm
1Words Nearby palm
Other definitions for palm (2 of 2)
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.: Compare palm family.
any of various other trees or shrubs that resemble this.
a leaf or branch of such a tree, especially as formerly borne to signify victory or as used on festive occasions.
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.
the reward of honor due to a victor: In oratory she yields the palm to no one.
victory; triumph; success: He carried off the palm by sheer perseverance.
Origin of palm
2Other words from palm
- palmlike, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use palm in a sentence
That’s why, when the practice ends, he marches from teammate to teammate, palm extended.
Kobe Bryant Punched A Teammate Over $100, And It Wasn’t Shaq | Jeff Pearlman | September 25, 2020 | FiveThirtyEightLike in Brazil, slashing and burning is an easy way for farmers to clear land, in this case for the palm oil and paper industries.
What wildfires in Brazil, Siberia, and the US West have in common | Lili Pike | September 17, 2020 | VoxAlmost half of oil palms in that country are grown by smallholders rather than large-scale agribusiness.
The Environmental Headache in Your Shampoo - Issue 90: Something Green | Anastasia Bendebury & Michael Shilo DeLay | September 16, 2020 | NautilusThe canopy began to recoil, its edges assaulted by the expansion of hydroelectric power, logging, and, most impactful of all, palm oil plantations.
The Environmental Headache in Your Shampoo - Issue 90: Something Green | Anastasia Bendebury & Michael Shilo DeLay | September 16, 2020 | NautilusThe electrodermal sensor, which requires the user to place their palm on the watchface for a reading, likewise can be tracked over time to measure stress levels.
Fitbit debuts new smartwatches that track how stressed the owners are | Aaron Pressman | August 25, 2020 | Fortune
These villages used to harvest rubber, cacao, palm oil, and coffee beans.
On the day of the AFI dinner, Hitchcock receives a wire from Frank Capra, who is in palm Springs.
Alfred Hitchcock’s Fade to Black: The Great Director’s Final Days | David Freeman | December 13, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTIn our digital world, all the accumulated knowledge of human history is available in the palm of our hands.
About 9:30 p.m. on palm Sunday in 1965, a tornado struck Toledo, Ohio.
Heed the Warnings: Why We’re on the Brink of Mass Extinction | Sean B. Carroll | November 30, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST“Now get on your knees and crawl,” he demanded with the slap of a leather horse crop against the palm of his hand.
Tobacco at this period was also rolled up in the leaves of the palm and smoked.
Tobacco; Its History, Varieties, Culture, Manufacture and Commerce | E. R. Billings.His strong hands lay palm downwards on the arms of his chair, pressing them hard.
Bella Donna | Robert HichensIn fact, on the palm a small drop of blood showed distinctly against the firm, pink flesh.
Uncanny Tales | VariousShe had taken off her glove now, and her palm left on his a reminiscence of Peau d'Espagne.
Rosemary in Search of a Father | C. N. WilliamsonThe natives of Guiana use a tube or pipe not unlike a cheroot, made from the rind of the fruit of a species of palm.
Tobacco; Its History, Varieties, Culture, Manufacture and Commerce | E. R. Billings.
British Dictionary definitions for palm (1 of 2)
/ (pɑːm) /
the inner part of the hand from the wrist to the base of the fingers: Related adjectives: thenar, volar
a corresponding part in animals, esp apes and monkeys
a linear measure based on the breadth or length of a hand, equal to three to four inches or seven to ten inches respectively
the part of a glove that covers the palm
a hard leather shield worn by sailmakers to protect the palm of the hand
the side of the blade of an oar that faces away from the direction of a boat's movement during a stroke
the face of the fluke of an anchor
a flattened or expanded part of the antlers of certain deer
in the palm of one's hand at one's mercy or command
to conceal in or about the hand, as in sleight-of-hand tricks
to touch or soothe with the palm of the hand
Origin of palm
1- See also palm off
British Dictionary definitions for palm (2 of 2)
/ (pɑːm) /
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
a leaf or branch of any of these trees, a symbol of victory, success, etc
merit or victory
an emblem or insignia representing a leaf or branch worn on certain military decorations
Origin of palm
2Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Other Idioms and Phrases with palm
In addition to the idiom beginning with palm
- palm off
also see:
- cross someone's palm
- grease someone's palm
- itchy palm
The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
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