Dictionary
1palm
noun \ˈpäm, ˈpälm, ˈpȯm, ˈpȯlm\
Definition of PALM
1
: any of a family (Palmae syn. Arecaceae) of mostly tropical or subtropical monocotyledonous trees, shrubs, or vines with usually a simple stem and a terminal crown of large pinnate or fan-shaped leaves
2
: a leaf of the palm as a symbol of victory or rejoicing; also : a branch (as of laurel) similarly used
4
: an addition to a military decoration in the form of a palm frond especially to indicate a second award of the basic decoration
— palm·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective
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Illustration of PALM
Origin of PALM
Middle English, from Old English, from Latin palma palm of the hand, palm tree; from the resemblance of the tree's leaves to the outstretched hand; akin to Greek palamē palm of the hand, Old English folm, Old Irish lám hand
First Known Use: before 12th century
2palm
noun
Definition of PALM
1
: the somewhat concave part of the human hand between the bases of the fingers and the wrist or the corresponding part of the forefoot of a lower mammal
2
: a flat expanded part especially at the end of a base or stalk (as of an anchor)
3
[Latin palmus, from palma] : a unit of length based on the breadth or length of the hand
4
: something (as a part of a glove) that covers the palm of the hand
5
: an act of palming (as of cards)
Origin of PALM
Middle English paume, palme, from Anglo-French, from Latin palma
First Known Use: 14th century
Other Anatomy Terms
3palm
verb
: to hide (something) in the palm of your hand
basketball : to hold (a basketball) in an illegal way for a moment while you are dribbling
soccer : to knock (the ball) away from the goal with your hands
Full Definition of PALM
transitive verb
1
a : to conceal in or with the hand <palm a card> b : to take or pick up stealthily c : to hand stealthily <palmed him a dollar bill>
2
: to impose by fraud <a second imposter to be palmed upon you — Sir Walter Scott>
3
: to touch with the palm: as a : to stroke with the palm or hand b : to allow (a basketball) to come to rest momentarily in the hand while dribbling thus committing a violation
See palm defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of PALM
1673
PALM Defined for Kids
1palm
noun \ˈpäm, ˈpälm\
Definition of PALM for Kids
: a tropical tree, shrub, or vine with a usually tall stem or trunk topped with large leaves that are shaped like feathers or fans
Word History of PALM
The Latin word palma originally meant “front of the hand from the wrist to the fingertips.” Because the leaves of palm trees look a little like an outstretched hand, the Latin word also came to mean “palm tree.” English has borrowed the word with both meanings, but through different pathways. In the sense “palm tree,” Old English borrowed the word directly from Latin. In the sense “palm of the hand,” English borrowed the word from Old French palme, which Old French had taken from Latin palma.
2palm
noun
Definition of PALM for Kids
1
: the under part of the hand between the fingers and the wrist
2
: a measure of length based on the width of a palm
3palm
verb
palmedpalm·ing
Definition of PALM for Kids
: to hide in the hand <She palmed the coin.>
— palm off
: to get rid of or pass on in a dishonest way <They tried to palm off plastic as real leather.>
Medical Dictionary
palm
noun \ˈpä(l)m\
Medical Definition of PALM
: the somewhat concave part of the human hand between the bases of the fingers and the wrist or the corresponding part of the forefoot of a lower mammal
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