hand

¹hand

noun, often attributive \ˈhand\

Definition of HAND

1

a (1) : the terminal part of the vertebrate forelimb when modified (as in humans) as a grasping organ (2) : the forelimb segment (as the terminal section of a bird's wing) of a vertebrate higher than the fishes that corresponds to the hand irrespective of its form or functional specialization b : a part serving the function of or resembling a hand: as (1) : the hind foot of an ape (2) : the chela of a crustacean c : something resembling a hand: as (1) : an indicator or pointer on a dialect <the hands of a clock> (2) : index 5 (3) : a cluster of bananas developed from a single flower group (4) : a branched rootstock of ginger (5) : a bunch of large leaves (as of tobacco) tied together usually with another leaf

2

a : personal possession —usually used in plural <the documents fell into the hands of the enemy> b : control, supervision —usually used in plural <left the matter in her hands>

3

a : side, direction <men fighting on either hand> b : one of two sides or aspects of an issue or argument <on the one hand we can appeal for peace, and on the other, declare war>

4

: a pledge especially of betrothal or bestowal in marriage

5

a : style of penmanship : handwriting <wrote in a fancy hand> b : signature

6

a : skill, ability <tried her hand at sailing> b : an instrumental part <had a hand in the victory>

7

: a unit of measure equal to 4 inches (10.2 centimeters) used especially for the height of horses

8

a : assistance or aid especially involving physical effort <lend a hand> b : participation, interest <had no hand in the decision> c : a round of applause

9

a (1) : a player in a card game or board game (2) : the cards or pieces held by a player b : a single round in a game c : the force or solidity of one's position (as in negotiations) <trying to strengthen their hand>

10

a : a person who performs or executes a particular work <two portraits by the same hand> b (1) : a person employed at manual labor or general tasks <a ranch hand> (2) : worker, employee <employed over a hundred hands> c : a member of a ship's crew <all hands on deck> d : a person skilled in a particular action or pursuit e : a specialist or veteran in a usually designated activity or region <a China hand>

11

a : handiwork, doings b : style of execution : workmanship <the hand of a master> c : the feel of or tactile reaction to something (as silk or leather)

12

: a punch made with a specified hand <knocked him out with a good right hand>

— at hand

1

: near in time or place : within reach <use whatever ingredients are at hand>

2

: currently receiving or deserving attention <the business at hand>

— at the hands of also at the hand of

: by or through the action of

— by hand

1

: with the hands or a hand-worked implement (as a tool or pen) rather than with a machine

2

: from one individual directly to another <deliver the document by hand>

— in hand

1

: in one's possession or control <had matters well in hand> <with money in hand>

2

: in preparation

3

: under consideration

— on all hands or on every hand

: everywhere

— on hand

1

: in present possession or readily available <kept supplies on hand>

2

: about to appear : pending

3

: in attendance : present

— on one's hands

: in one's possession or care <too much time on my hands>

— out of hand

1

: without delay or deliberation; also : in a summary or peremptory manner <rejected the plan out of hand>

2

: done with : finished

3

: out of control

4

: with the hands <fruit eaten out of hand>

— to hand

1

: into possession <the letter … has come to hand — George Washington>

2

: within reach

Examples of HAND

1. These gloves will keep your hands warm.
2. She put her hands over her eyes.
3. He sat quietly with his hands folded in his lap.
4. Do you need a hand?

Origin of HAND

Middle English, from Old English; akin to Old High German hant hand

First Known Use: before 12th century

Related to HAND

Synonyms: angle, facet, aspect, phase, side

Antonyms: employer, gaffer [British]

Related Words: air, appearance, character, color, complexion, condition, face, look, semblance, shape, state, visage; period, stage, step; outlook, perspective, position, posture, shoes, slant, stance, standpoint, view, viewpoint; interpretation, reading, rendering, translation, version; article, case, component, count, detail, dimension, element, factor, instance, item, matter, part, particular, point, regard, respect

Near Antonyms: center, inside, interior, middle, midway

see all synonyms and antonyms

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Other Anatomy Terms

bilateral symmetry, carotid, cartilage, dorsal, entrails, prehensile, renal, solar plexus, supine, thoracic, ventral

Rhymes with HAND

band, bland, brand, canned, gland, grand, land, manned, NAND, rand, sand, Sand, stand, strand