Entry Word: hand

Function: noun

Meaning: 1 a certain way in which something appears or may be regarded <on the one hand, itʼs nice to rest your brain all summer, but on the other, you would forget less with a shorter break> — see aspect 1
2 a place, space, or direction away from or beyond a central point or line <tall buildings rose on either hand> <nothing but wide open space on either hand> — see side 1
3 an arrow-shaped piece on a dial or scale for registering information <both hands of the clock pointed to 12> — see pointer 1
4 one who works for another for wages or a salary <the first mate shouted, “All hands on deck!”> — see employee
5 the form or style of a particular personʼs writing <writes with a flowing, old-fashioned hand> — see handwriting 1
6 usually hands pluralthe ability to direct the course of something <the final decision is in your hands> — see control 2
7 hands pluralthe fact or state of having (something) at one's disposal <Iʼd like to get my hands on some really cool posters> — see possession 1