hands
- 01 A1 Beginner
the two parts of your body at the end of your arms that you use for holding things.
the plural form of the terminal part of the vertebrate forelimb when modified for grasping.
Simple“You should wash your hands with soap before you eat.”
In context“The surgeon scrubbed her hands thoroughly, adhering to a strict protocol designed to eliminate any risk of bacterial contamination before the operation.”
PitfallI washed my hand before dinner. I washed my hands before dinner.Since people usually wash both, use the plural 'hands' for general hygiene.
- 02 A2 Elementary
the long, thin parts on a clock or watch that point to the numbers.
the pointers on an analogue clock face that indicate the hour, minute, or second.
Simple“Both hands of the clock pointed to twelve at midnight.”
In context“The antique grandfather clock featured ornate gold hands that moved with silent, mechanical precision against the mahogany face.”
Synonyms