palm

palm · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    The inner surface of the hand between the wrist and fingers.

  2. 2.

    To conceal something in the hand, especially in sleight of hand.

  3. 3.

    A tropical tree with a straight trunk and large fan-shaped or feather-shaped leaves.

  4. 4.

    To pass off deceptively.

  5. 5.

    A leaf of a palm tree, often used symbolically.

Forms

plural: palms

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    palm off — to dispose of something by deception
  • •
    grease someone's palm — to bribe someone
  • •
    have someone in the palm of your hand — to have complete control over someone
  • •
    read someone's palm — to tell fortunes by examining the lines on the hand

Related words

See also: hand, palms, tree
Synonyms: hand (for body part)

Etymology

From Latin palma ("palm of the hand; palm tree"), as the leaves resemble an open hand.