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[1] 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
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