First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1hand
noun, often attributive \ˈhand\
: the body part at the end of your arm that includes your fingers and thumb
—used in some phrases to refer to a person
hands : power, possession, or control
Full Definition of HAND
1
a (1) : the terminal part of the vertebrate forelimb when modified (as in humans) as a grasping organ (2) : the forelimb segment (as the terminal section of a bird's wing) of a vertebrate higher than the fishes that corresponds to the hand irrespective of its form or functional specialization b : a part serving the function of or resembling a hand: as (1) : the hind foot of an ape (2) : the chela of a crustacean c : something resembling a hand: as (1) : an indicator or pointer on a dial <the hands of a clock> (2) : index 5 (3) : a cluster of bananas developed from a single flower group (4) : a branched rootstock of ginger (5) : a bunch of large leaves (as of tobacco) tied together usually with another leaf
2
a : personal possession —usually used in plural <the documents fell into the hands of the enemy> b : control, supervision —usually used in plural <left the matter in her hands>
3
4
: a pledge especially of betrothal or bestowal in marriage
5
a : style of penmanship : handwriting <wrote in a fancy hand> b : signature
6
7
: a unit of measure equal to 4 inches (10.2 centimeters) used especially for the height of horses
8
a : assistance or aid especially involving physical effort <lend a hand> b : participation, interest <had no hand in the decision> c : a round of applause
9
a (1) : a player in a card game or board game (2) : the cards or pieces held by a player b : a single round in a game c : the force or solidity of one's position (as in negotiations) <trying to strengthen their hand>
10
a : a person who performs or executes a particular work <two portraits by the same hand> b (1) : a person employed at manual labor or general tasks <a ranch hand> (2) : worker, employee <employed over a hundred hands> c : a member of a ship's crew <all hands on deck> d : a person skilled in a particular action or pursuit e : a specialist or veteran in a usually designated activity or region <a China hand>
11
a : handiwork, doings b : style of execution : workmanship <the hand of a master> c : the feel of or tactile reaction to something (as silk or leather)
12
: a punch made with a specified hand <knocked him out with a good right hand>
— at hand
1
: near in time or place : within reach <use whatever ingredients are at hand>
2
: currently receiving or deserving attention <the business at hand>
— at the hands of also at the hand of
: by or through the action of
— by hand
1
: with the hands or a hand-worked implement (as a tool or pen) rather than with a machine
2
: from one individual directly to another <deliver the document by hand>
— in hand
1
: in one's possession or control <had matters well in hand> <with money in hand>
2
: in preparation
3
: under consideration
— on all hands or on every hand
— on hand
— on one's hands
: in one's possession or care <too much time on my hands>
— out of hand
1
: without delay or deliberation; also : in a summary or peremptory manner <rejected the plan out of hand>
2
: done with : finished
3
: out of control
4
: with the hands <fruit eaten out of hand>
— to hand
1
: into possession <the letter … has come to hand — George Washington>
2
: within reach
See hand defined for English-language learners
See hand defined for kids
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Origin of HAND
Middle English, from Old English; akin to Old High German hant hand
Other Anatomy Terms
2hand
adverb
Definition of HAND
: with the hands rather than by machine
First Known Use of HAND
before 12th century
3hand
verb
: to give (something) to someone using your hands
Full Definition of HAND
transitive verb
2
: to lead, guide, or assist with the hand <hand a lady into a bus>
3
a : to give, pass, or transmit with the hand <hand a letter to her> b : to present or provide with <handed him a surprise>
— hand it to
: to give credit to : concede the excellence of
See hand defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of HAND
15th century
Hand
biographical name \ˈhand\
Definition of HAND
(Billings) Learned 1872–1961 Am. jurist
HAND Defined for Kids
1hand
noun \ˈhand\
Definition of HAND for Kids
1
: the body part at the end of the human arm that includes the fingers and thumb
2
: a bodily structure (as the hind foot of an ape) like the human hand in function or form
3
: a pointer on a clock or watch
4
: 2help 1, assistance <I gave her a hand loading the truck.>
5
: 2control 1 <The fort is in the hands of the enemy.>
6
: one side of a problem <On the one hand we could stay. On the other hand we could go.>
7
: an outburst of applause <Give them a hand.>
8
: the cards held by a player in a card game
9
: a hired worker : laborer
10
: a promise of marriage
11
12
: ability 1 <I tried my hand at painting.>
13
: a unit of measure equal to four inches (about ten centimeters) <The horse is 15 hands high.>
14
: a part or share in doing something <She had a hand in the crime.>
— at hand
: near in time or place <The hour is at hand.>
— by hand
: without the use of automation : using the hands <The stone was carved by hand.>
— in hand
: in someone's possession or control <Map in hand, he's ready to go.> <I've got the situation well in hand.>
— on hand
1
: available for use <Keep some extra batteries on hand.>
2
: 3present 2 <Please be on hand when the guests arrive.>
— out of hand
: out of control <The party got out of hand.>
2hand
verb
hand·edhand·ing
Definition of HAND for Kids
: to give or pass with the hand <Please hand me the knife.>
Medical Dictionary
hand
noun , often attrib \ˈhand\
Medical Definition of HAND
1
a (1) : the terminal part of the vertebrate forelimb when modified (as in humans) as a grasping organ (2) : the forelimb segment (as the terminal section of a bird's wing) of a vertebrate higher than the fishes that corresponds to the hand irrespective of its form or functional specialization b : a part serving the function of or resembling a hand; especially : the hind foot of an ape c : something resembling a hand; especially : an indicator or pointer on a dial
2
: a unit of measure equal to 4 inches or 10.2 centimeters used especially for the height of horses
Illustration of HAND
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