palm

noun (1)

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\ ˈpäm

, ˈpälm

, ˈpȯm, ˈpȯlm

Definition of palm

(Entry 1 of 3)

1 : any of a family (Palmae synonym Arecaceae) of mostly tropical or subtropical monocotyledonous trees, shrubs, or vines with usually a simple stem and a terminal crown of large pinnate or fan-shaped leaves

2 : a leaf of the palm as a symbol of victory or rejoicing also : a branch (as of laurel) similarly used

3 : a symbol of triumph or superiority also : victory, triumph

4 : an addition to a military decoration in the form of a palm frond especially to indicate a second award of the basic decoration

palm

noun (2)

Definition of palm (Entry 2 of 3)

1 : the somewhat concave part of the human hand between the bases of the fingers and the wrist or the corresponding part of the forefoot of a lower mammal

2 : a flat expanded part especially at the end of a base or stalk (as of an anchor)

3 [Latin palmus, from palma] : a unit of length based on the breadth or length of the hand

4 : something (such as a part of a glove) that covers the palm of the hand

5 : an act of palming (as of cards)

palm

verb

palmed; palming; palms

Definition of palm (Entry 3 of 3)

transitive verb

1a : to conceal in or with the hand palm a card

b : to take or pick up stealthily

c : to hand stealthily palmed him a dollar bill

2 : to impose by fraud a second imposter to be palmed upon you— Sir Walter Scott

3 : to touch with the palm: such as

a : to stroke with the palm or hand

b : to allow (a basketball) to come to rest momentarily in the hand while dribbling thus committing a violation

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Cite this Entry

“Palm.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/palm. Accessed 26 Jan. 2021.

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More Definitions for palm

palm

verb

English Language Learners Definition of palm

: to hide (something) in the palm of your hand

basketball : to hold (a basketball) in an illegal way for a moment while you are dribbling

soccer : to knock (the ball) away from the goal with your hands

See the full definition for palm in the English Language Learners Dictionary

palm

noun

\ ˈpäm

, ˈpälm \

Kids Definition of palm

(Entry 1 of 3)

: a tropical tree, shrub, or vine with a usually tall stem or trunk topped with large leaves that are shaped like feathers or fans

palm

noun

Kids Definition of palm (Entry 2 of 3)

1 : the under part of the hand between the fingers and the wrist

2 : a measure of length based on the width of a palm

palm

verb

palmed; palming

Kids Definition of palm (Entry 3 of 3)

: to hide in the hand She palmed the coin.

palm off

: to get rid of or pass on in a dishonest way They tried to palm off plastic as real leather.

palm

noun

\ ˈpä(l)m

Medical Definition of palm

: the somewhat concave part of the human hand between the bases of the fingers and the wrist or the corresponding part of the forefoot of a lower mammal

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