right hand

¹ American  

noun

1. the hand that is on the right side, or the side opposite that where the heart is.

2. the right side, as of a person, especially this side considered as the side of precedence or courtesy.

3. a position of honor or special trust.

4. an extremely efficient or reliable person or, sometimes, tool, especially a person considered as one's assistant.

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right-hand ² American  

[rahyt-hand] / ˈraɪtˈhænd /

adjective

1. on the right.

2. of, for, or with the right hand.

3. most reliable, valuable, or useful, as a helper or assistant.

4. plain-laid.

5. Building Trades. Also

   1. (of a door) having the hinges on the right when seen from the exterior of the building, room, closet, etc., to which the doorway leads.

   2. (of a casement sash) having the hinges on the right when seen from inside the window.

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right-hand British  

adjective

1. of, relating to, located on, or moving towards the right

   a right-hand bend

   this car has right-hand drive

2. for use by the right hand; right-handed

3. one's most valuable assistant or supporter

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Etymology

Origin of right hand¹

before 1000; Middle English; Old English

Origin of right-hand²

adj. use of right hand

Example Sentences

Very gently, I took hold of the handle with my left hand and caught hold of the blue ring with my right hand.

From Literature

She points to the orange fence on the right hand picture which looks like a handle and the entire white canvas of the left hand painting which resembles the blade.

From BBC

He had first noticed symptoms - a weakness in his right hand - just over a year prior, he told ABC's Good Morning America.

From BBC

He was standing at the front of the room, his right arm in the air, something glistening in his right hand.

From Literature

The rear or 'trailing' hand is the right hand, positioned close to the tail of the board.

From BBC

Related Words

• crucial
• fundamental
• imperative
• important
• indispensable
• main
• necessary
• needed
• vital