palm

¹ American  

[pahm] / pɑm /

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.

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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.

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.

palm ² American  

[pahm] / pɑm /

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.

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palm ¹ British  

/ 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

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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 British  

/ 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

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palm More Idioms  

More idioms and phrases containing palm

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

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Other Word Forms

• palmlike adjective

Etymology

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

Example Sentences

AmInvestment Bank expects crude palm oil futures to find support at 4,044 ringgit a ton and face resistance at 4,190 ringgit a ton.

From The Wall Street Journal

Airlangga said that as part of the deal, Indonesia has secured tariff exemptions for more than 1,700 goods, including coffee, spices, chocolate, natural rubber and, notably, its top export product palm oil.

From BBC

He made sleeping mats stuffed with rustling palm fronds, a table and two stools, a desk, bookcases and shelves for his science stuff, coconut-shell bowls, and seashell plates.

From Literature

Eager to make himself something more than an awkward kid with sweaty palms and a bowl haircut who couldn’t read, Newsom mimicked Remington Steele, the suave character on the popular 1980s detective show.

From Los Angeles Times

And the former champions were left with more to worry about as Marcus Stoinis was struck on his left palm attempting a return catch halfway through his third over.

From Barron's

Related Words

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