Collins English-English Dictionary

palm [pɑːm]

1. 1. n the inner part of the hand from the wrist to the base of the fingers

2. 2. n a corresponding part in animals, esp apes and monkeys

3. 3. n a linear measure based on the breadth or length of a hand, equal to three to four inches or seven to ten inches respectively

4. 4. n the part of a glove that covers the palm

5. 5. n a hard leather shield worn by sailmakers to protect the palm of the hand

6. 6. n the side of the blade of an oar that faces away from the direction of a boat's movement during a stroke

7. 7. n the face of the fluke of an anchor

8. 8. n a flattened or expanded part of the antlers of certain deer

9. 9. vt. [tr] to conceal in or about the hand, as in sleight-of-hand tricks

10. 10. vt. to touch or soothe with the palm of the hand

11. 11. vt. See also palm off

12. 12. vt. [Etymology] C14 paume, via Old French from Latin palma; compare Old English folm palm of the hand, Greek palame

palm [pɑːm]

1. 1. n any treelike plant of the tropical and subtropical monocotyledonous family Arecaceae (formerly Palmae or Palmaceae), usually having a straight unbranched trunk crowned with large pinnate or palmate leaves

2. 2. n a leaf or branch of any of these trees, a symbol of victory, success, etc

3. 3. n merit or victory

4. 4. n an emblem or insignia representing a leaf or branch worn on certain military decorations

5. 5. n [Etymology] Old English, from Latin palma, from the likeness of its spreading fronds to a hand; see palm¹