Palm Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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palm
[pɑːm ]
Definitions
hand
The inner surface of the hand between the wrist and fingers.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| palm |
Use 'palm' when referring to the inside part of the hand that faces upwards when the hand is open. Often used in contexts related to touch, sensation, and providing something openly.
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| hand |
Use 'hand' in general to refer to the whole part of the body at the end of the arm. It is widely used to denote actions, gestures, and assistance.
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| mitt |
Use 'mitt' informally to refer to a hand, often in a large or clumsy way. Commonly seen in colloquial speech, sports (like baseball), or when talking about protective gloves.
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Examples of usage
- She held the coin in the palm of her hand.
- The fortune teller read her palm and predicted a long life.
tree
An unbranched evergreen tree with a crown of long feathered or fan-shaped leaves, and in some species, edible seeds in the form of coconuts.
Synonyms
coconut palm, palm tree.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| palm |
Used generally to refer to palm trees or the front part of a hand.
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| palm tree |
Used to describe any tree from the family of palms, often used when the context is about the plant or trees in general.
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| coconut palm |
Specifically refers to a type of palm tree that produces coconuts.
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Examples of usage
- The palm tree swayed gently in the breeze.
- She sat under the shade of a palm tree.
deceive
Conceal something in the hand as a means of cheating.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| palm |
This word is typically used to refer to the act of hiding something in the palm of your hand, often in a deceptive manner. It is often associated with magic tricks or sneaky behavior.
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| conceal |
This word is often used in more formal contexts, where something is intentionally hidden from view or kept secret. It suggests a deliberate effort to keep something undisclosed.
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| hide |
This is a general term used in many situations where something is put out of sight or kept out of view. It can refer to physical objects, but also to emotions or information.
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Examples of usage
- He tried to palm a card during the game.
- She palmed the jewelry without anyone noticing.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Botany
- Palm trees, which can reach heights of over 200 feet, are among the oldest plants on Earth, thriving in tropical climates.
- These trees often symbolize peace and victory; the branches were historically awarded to victors in ancient competitions.
Cultural Significance
- In many cultures, palm trees are associated with paradise and relaxation, commonly seen in imagery of beaches and vacations.
- They are often used in religious ceremonies; for example, the palms in Christian tradition represent the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem.
Health and Anatomy
- The palm contains important muscles and tendons that allow for a wide range of motion, making hand movements possible.
- Scientists believe the number of fingerprints on a person's palm adds a unique identity, similar to their DNA.
Literature and Art
- Palm trees frequently appear in poetry and literature, symbolizing strength, resilience, and longing for home.
- Artists often use the image of palms in their works to evoke feelings of nostalgia and warmth, connecting viewers to nature.
Origin of 'palm'
Main points about word origin
- The word originated from the Latin 'palma', which referred not only to the hand's palm but also to the palm tree.
- In various languages, such as Spanish ('palma') and French ('paume'), the term for the palm of the hand retains similar roots.
The word 'palm' originated from the Old English word 'palma', from the Latin 'palma' meaning 'palm of the hand' or 'palm tree'. The use of 'palm' to refer to the inner surface of the hand dates back to the 9th century. The association with the tree 'palm' came from the shape of the tree's leaves resembling the human palm. Over time, 'palm' also gained a verb sense related to deceit, likely due to the act of concealing something in the hand.