palm
- 01 A2 Elementary
n.the flat, inner part of your hand between your wrist and your fingers.
n.the ventral or volar surface of the human hand, extending from the wrist to the base of the fingers.
Simple“She held the tiny bird gently in the palm of her hand.”
In context“The fortune teller traced the deep lines across the man's palm, claiming they revealed a long and prosperous life ahead.”
SynonymsthenarAntonymsback of the hand - 02 A2 Elementary
n.a tall tree that grows in hot countries and has long leaves at the top.
n.any of various evergreen trees of the family Arecaceae, typically characterized by an unbranched trunk and a crown of large pinnate or palmate leaves.
Simple“We sat under a palm tree on the beach to get some shade.”
In context“The coastline was fringed with towering palms that swayed rhythmically in the humid tropical breeze.”
Synonymspalm tree - 03 C2 Proficiency
n.a leaf from a palm tree used as a symbol of winning or success.
n.a branch or leaf of the palm tree used historically as a symbol of triumph, excellence, or rejoicing.
Simple“In the old story, the hero was awarded a palm for his bravery.”
In context“The victorious general was greeted with palms and hymns as he entered the city gates after the long campaign.”
- 04 B2 Upper Intermediate
v.to pick up or hold something using only the palm of your hand.
v.to grasp or lift an object using the palm, often without wrapping the fingers entirely around it.
Simple“The basketball player was tall enough to palm the ball with one hand.”
In context“He managed to palm the heavy stone sphere, lifting it just high enough to clear the pedestal.”
“Around half of the date palms here have no fruit at all.”
From Middle High German palme, balme, related to palm (“palm tree”).
See palm.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.