Word: Palm

Pronunciation

/pɑːm/

Definitions

• Noun (n): The inner surface of the hand that extends from the wrist to the bases of the fingers. For example: “She placed the coin in the palm of her hand.”
• Noun (n): The flat part of the hand used for various actions such as grasping or supporting. Example: “He caught the ball with his palm.”
• Noun (n): A tree having a single stem/trunk growing to considerable height and bearing large leaves that form a crownshaft. For instance: “Date palms are common in desert regions.”
• Noun (n): The leaf of certain plants, especially those of palms, often used decoratively. Example: “The church was decorated with palm fronds on Palm Sunday.”
• Verb (v): To hold something in the palm of one’s hand. Example: “He palmed the key so no one would see it.”
• Verb (v): To conceal something in one’s hand, typically by sleight of hand. Example: “The magician palmed the coin before making it disappear.”
• Verb (v): In sports, to catch or handle a ball using the palm of the hand, especially when this is against the rules. Example: “The goalkeeper illegally palmed the ball outside the penalty area.”

Phrases

• “In the palm of your hand” - meaning under one’s control or influence. Example: “She held the future of the company in the palm of her hand.”
• “Palm off” - to deceive someone by passing something worthless as valuable or genuine. Example: “He tried to palm off a fake watch as an antique.”

Example Sentences

• Noun (hand): “She examined the ring closely, turning it over in the palm of her hand.”
• Noun (tree): “The coconut palms swayed gently in the ocean breeze.”
• Verb: “He palmed the basketball deftly, dribbling past his defender.”

Synonyms

• Hand (noun, referring to the part of the body)
• Frond (noun, referring to the leaves of a palm tree)
• Conceal (verb, in the context of hiding something in the palm)
• Handle (verb, in the context of sports)