The Palm Tree Is Named After Your Hand
A palm is the inner surface of the hand. The tree took its name from the shape of its leaves.
A palm is the inner surface of the hand between wrist and fingers, and also a tropical tree. The two are one word: Latin *palma* meant the hand, and the tree was named for it because its spreading fronds look like fingers extended from a palm. The hand came first, and the tree borrowed the image. That is also why *to palm* something means to conceal it in the hand, and why a *palmist* reads the lines there.
- The inner hand. *The palm of the hand.*
- A tropical tree. *A palm tree.*
- To conceal in the hand. *Palming a card.*
- Palmist — one who reads palms. *A palmist.*
- Latin — *palma*, the hand. *The root.*
Word forms
| Form | Word | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Noun | palm | A palm. |
| Verb | palm | Palming. |
| Agent | palmist | A palmist. |
| Compound | palm tree | A palm tree. |
| Latin | palma | The hand. |
- She held it in her palm.Hand.
- Palm trees lined the beach.Tree.
- He palmed the coin.Verb.
Why the palm means victory
- Greek and Roman victors were given palm branches
- The branch became a symbol of triumph
- To bear the palm means to win
- Palm Sunday takes its name from the same branches
- A palmer was a pilgrim who carried one from the Holy Land
Old English *palma*, from Latin *palma*, the palm of the hand, applied to the tree for its hand-like fronds.
Which palm came first?
The hand. The tree was named after it because its fronds spread like fingers.
Why does bearing the palm mean winning?
Because victors in Greek and Roman contests were awarded palm branches as a token of triumph.