Definition

1. Noun:

   • A type of tree: A tropical or subtropical tree belonging to the family Arecaceae (formerly Palmae), typically having an unbranched trunk and a crown of large, often fan-shaped (palmate) or feather-shaped (pinnate) leaves.
   • The inner surface of the hand: The flat, central part of the human hand, between the wrist and the base of the fingers.
   • A unit of measurement: A linear unit of measurement, historically based on the width or length of the human hand.
   • A symbol of victory: A palm leaf or branch, especially from a date palm, traditionally used as a symbol of triumph, victory, or peace.

2. Verb:

   • To conceal in the hand: To hide something, such as a small object or a playing card, in the palm of one's hand, often deceptively.
   • To touch with the palm: To touch, stroke, or hold something with the palm of the hand.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:

  • The island was lined with tall coconut palms.
  • He held the coin tightly in his sweaty palm.
  • In ancient times, a palm was a common unit for measuring small lengths.
  • The champion was awarded a palm frond.

• Verb:

  • The magician palmed the coin before making it disappear.
  • She gently palmed the kitten's head.

Advanced Usage

• "to bear/carry off the palm": To be the victor; to win.
  • After a fierce debate, their team bore the palm.
• "to have someone in the palm of one's hand": To have complete control or influence over someone.
  • The charismatic leader had the entire crowd in the palm of his hand.
• "to grease/oil/cross someone's palm": To bribe someone.
  • He had to grease the official's palm to get the permit.

Variants and Related Words

• Palmate (adj): Shaped like a hand with fingers spread; used to describe leaves (e.g., a maple leaf) or antlers.
• Palmary (adj): Deserving the palm; preeminent; outstanding.
• Palmetto (n): A small palm tree or a shrub of the palm family.
• Palmistry (n): The practice of interpreting lines on the palm to tell a person's future.

Synonyms

• Noun (tree): Palm tree.
• Noun (hand part): Thenar (medical term for the palm's fleshy part).
• Verb (conceal): Conceal, hide.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Palm off (on/upon someone): To deceive someone into accepting something that is worthless or unwanted.
  • He tried to palm off the fake watch on an unsuspecting tourist.

Related Idioms

• "It's in the palm of your hand": Something is easily within your reach or control.
  • With this new evidence, winning the case is in the palm of your hand.
• "Read someone's palm": To practice palmistry on someone.
  • At the fair, a woman offered to read my palm.

Noun

1. an award for winning a championship or commemorating some other event
2. any plant of the family Palmae having an unbranched trunk crowned by large pinnate or palmate leaves
3. a linear unit based on the length or width of the human hand
4. the inner surface of the hand from the wrist to the base of the fingers

Verb

1. touch, lift, or hold with the hands
   • Don't handle the merchandise