Palm vs. Hand — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Updated on March 7, 2024
The palm refers to the inner surface of the hand, while the hand encompasses the entire structure including fingers and thumb.
Difference Between Palm and Hand
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
The palm is the inner part of the hand extending from the wrist to the bases of the fingers, known for its sensitivity and grip ability. On the other hand, the hand includes not just the palm, but also the fingers, thumb, and back part, functioning as a versatile tool for various tasks.
The skin on the palm is uniquely thick and ridged, aiding in grip and sensitivity, whereas the skin on the back of the hand is thinner and more prone to sun damage and aging.
In terms of functionality, the palm plays a crucial role in gripping and manipulating objects, thanks to its padded surface. The hand as a whole, however, is involved in more complex functions like writing, typing, and signaling, requiring coordination of all its parts.
Culturally and symbolically, the palm can represent fortune or life paths in palmistry, showing individual traits through lines and mounts. The hand, in a broader sense, symbolizes human capability and interaction, used in gestures and communication.
Biologically, the palm's lack of hair and presence of unique fingerprints distinguish it from the rest of the hand, which may have fine hairs and less distinct features on the skin surface.
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Comparison Chart
Part of the Hand
Inner surface
Entire structure including palm, fingers, and thumb
Skin Characteristics
Thick, ridged, and hairless
Varies; thinner on the back, may have fine hairs
Function
Grip and sensitivity
Diverse tasks including manipulation, communication, and sensation
Symbolism
Fortune and life paths in palmistry
Human capability and interaction
Biological Features
Unique fingerprints
Includes bones, muscles, and joints of fingers and thumb
Compare with Definitions
Palm
Used in palmistry to predict fortune.
The palmist studied the lines on his palm for insights.
Hand
Entire structure including fingers and thumb.
She wore gloves to protect her hands from the cold.
Palm
Crucial for gripping.
He held the rope tightly in his palm.
Hand
Back of the hand has thinner skin.
She applied sunscreen on the back of her hand.
Palm
Inner surface of the hand.
The artist painted intricate designs on her palm.
Hand
Involved in various tasks like writing.
His hand was steady as he signed the document.
Palm
Known for unique fingerprints.
Detectives used the palm's prints for identification.
Hand
Comprises bones, muscles, and joints.
The doctor examined the injury on his hand.
Palm
Lacks hair and is more sensitive.
She could feel the fabric's texture clearly with her palm.
Hand
Used in gestures and communication.
They waved their hands in greeting.
Palm
The inner surface of the hand that extends from the wrist to the base of the fingers.
Hand
A hand is a prehensile, multi-fingered appendage located at the end of the forearm or forelimb of primates such as humans, chimpanzees, monkeys, and lemurs. A few other vertebrates such as the koala (which has two opposable thumbs on each "hand" and fingerprints extremely similar to human fingerprints) are often described as having "hands" instead of paws on their front limbs.
Palm
The similar part of the forefoot of a quadruped.
Hand
The end part of a person's arm beyond the wrist, including the palm, fingers, and thumb
The palm of her hand
He was leading her by the hand
Palm
A unit of length equal to either the width or the length of the hand.
Hand
A pointer on a clock or watch indicating the passing of units of time
The second hand
Palm
The part of a glove or mitten that covers the palm of the hand.
Hand
Used in reference to the power to direct something
The day-to-day running of the house was in her hands
They are taking the law into their own hands
Palm
(Nautical) A metal shield worn by sailmakers over the palm of the hand and used to force a needle through heavy canvas.
Hand
A person's workmanship, especially in artistic work
His idiosyncratic hand
Palm
(Nautical) The blade of an oar or paddle.
Hand
A person who engages in manual labour, especially in a factory, on a farm, or on board a ship
A factory hand
The ship was lost with all hands
Palm
The flattened part of the antlers of certain animals, such as the moose.
Hand
The set of cards dealt to a player in a card game
The situation does not give them a strong hand at the negotiating table
He's got a good hand
Palm
Any of numerous chiefly tropical evergreen trees, shrubs, or woody vines of the family Arecaceae (or Palmae), characteristically having an unbranched trunk with a crown of large pinnate or palmate leaves having conspicuous parallel venation.
Hand
A unit of measurement of a horse's height, equal to 4 inches (10.16 cm).
Palm
A leaf of a palm tree, regarded as an emblem of victory, success, or joy.
Hand
A bunch of bananas
Mottled hands of bananas
Palm
A small metallic representation of a palm leaf added to a military decoration that has been awarded more than one time.
Hand
Pick (something) up and give it to (someone)
I handed the trowel back to him
He handed each man a glass
Palm
To hold in the palm of the hand.
Hand
Hold the hand of (someone) in order to guide them in a specified direction
He handed them into the carriage
Palm
To touch or stroke with the palm of the hand.
Hand
Take in or furl (a sail)
Hand in the main!
Palm
To conceal in the palm of the hand, as in cheating at dice or cards or in a sleight-of-hand trick.
Hand
The terminal part of the human arm located below the forearm, used for grasping and holding and consisting of the wrist, palm, four fingers, and an opposable thumb.
Palm
To pick up furtively.
Hand
A homologous or similar part in other animals, as the terminal part of the forelimb in certain vertebrates.
Palm
(Basketball) To commit a violation by letting (the ball) rest momentarily in the palm of the hand while dribbling.
Hand
A unit of length equal to 4 inches (10.2 centimeters), used especially to specify the height of a horse.
Palm
Any of various evergreen trees from the family Palmae or Arecaceae, which are mainly found in the tropics.
Hand
Any of the rotating pointers used as indexes on the face of a mechanical clock.
Palm
A branch or leaf of the palm, anciently borne or worn as a symbol of victory or rejoicing.
Hand
A pointer, as on a gauge or dial.
Palm
Triumph; victory.
Hand
(Printing)See index.
Palm
(Scouting) Any of 23 awards that can be earned after obtaining the Eagle Scout rank, but generally only before turning 18 years old.
Hand
Lateral direction indicated according to the way in which one is facing
At my right hand.
Palm
The inner and somewhat concave part of the human hand that extends from the wrist to the bases of the fingers.
Hand
A style or individual sample of writing.
Palm
The corresponding part of the forefoot of a lower mammal.
Hand
A signature
Put my hand to the contract.
Palm
(historical) hand, {{ngd}}
Hand
A round of applause to signify approval.
Palm
(historical) Any of various units of length notionally derived from the length of the palm from the wrist to the base of the fingers.
Hand
Physical assistance; help
Gave me a hand with the bags.
Palm
(sailmaking) A metallic disk attached to a strap and worn in the palm of the hand; used to push the needle through the canvas, in sewing sails, etc.
Hand
Hands Sports A hand ball in soccer.
Palm
The broad flattened part of an antler, as of a full-grown fallow deer; so called as resembling the palm of the hand with its protruding fingers.
Hand
The cards held in a card game by a given player at any time.
Palm
(nautical) The flat inner face of an anchor fluke.
Hand
The number of cards dealt each player; the deal.
Palm
To hold or conceal something in the palm of the hand, e.g, for an act of sleight of hand or to steal something.
Hand
A player or participant in a card game
We need a fourth hand for bridge.
Palm
To hold something without bending the fingers significantly.
John palmed the ball.
Hand
A portion or section of a game during which all the cards dealt out are played
A hand of poker.
Palm
To move something with the palm of the hand.
Hand
One who performs manual labor
A factory hand.
Palm
The inner and somewhat concave part of the hand between the bases of the fingers and the wrist.
Clench'd her fingers till they bit the palm.
Hand
One who is part of a group or crew
The ship's hands.
Palm
A lineal measure equal either to the breadth of the hand or to its length from the wrist to the ends of the fingers; a hand; - used in measuring a horse's height.
Hand
A participant in an activity, often one who specializes in a particular activity or pursuit
An old hand at labor negotiations.
Palm
A metallic disk, attached to a strap, and worn on the palm of the hand, - used to push the needle through the canvas, in sewing sails, etc.
Hand
The degree of immediacy of a source of information; degree of reliability
Heard the scandalous tale at third hand.
Palm
The broad flattened part of an antler, as of a full-grown fallow deer; - so called as resembling the palm of the hand with its protruding fingers.
Hand
The strength or force of one's position
Negotiated from a strong hand.
Palm
The flat inner face of an anchor fluke.
Hand
Often hands Possession, ownership, or keeping
The books should be in your hands by noon.
Palm
Any endogenous tree of the order Palmæ or Palmaceæ; a palm tree.
Hand
Power; jurisdiction; care
The defendant's fate is in the hands of the jury. Dinner is in the chef's hands.
Palm
A branch or leaf of the palm, anciently borne or worn as a symbol of victory or rejoicing.
A great multitude . . . stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palme in their hands.
Hand
Involvement or participation
"In all this was evident the hand of the counterrevolutionaries" (John Reed).
Palm
Any symbol or token of superiority, success, or triumph; also, victory; triumph; supremacy.
So get the start of the majestic worldAnd bear the palm alone.
Hand
An influence or effect
The manager had a hand in all major decisions.
Palm
To handle.
Hand
Evidence of craft or artistic skill
Can see the hand of a genius even in the lighter poems.
Palm
To manipulate with, or conceal in, the palm of the hand; to juggle.
They palmed the trick that lost the game.
Hand
An aptitude or ability
I tried my hand at decorating.
Palm
To take (something small) stealthily, especially by concealing it in the palm of the hand; as, he palmed one of the coins and walked out with it.
Hand
The aesthetic feel or tactile quality of something, such as a fabric, textile, or carpeting, that indicates its fineness, texture, and durability.
Palm
To impose by fraud, as by sleight of hand; to put by unfair means; - usually with on or upon; as, to palm a stolen coin on an unsuspecting dealer. See also palm off.
For you may palm upon us new for old.
Hand
A manner or way of performing something
A light hand with makeup.
Palm
The inner surface of the hand from the wrist to the base of the fingers
Hand
Permission or a promise, especially a pledge to wed.
Palm
A linear unit based on the length or width of the human hand
Hand
A commitment or agreement, especially when sealed by a handshake; one's word
You have my hand on that.
Palm
Any plant of the family Palmae having an unbranched trunk crowned by large pinnate or palmate leaves
Hand
To give or pass with or as if with the hands; transmit
Hand me your keys.
Palm
An award for winning a championship or commemorating some other event
Hand
To aid, direct, or conduct with the hands
The usher handed the patron to a reserved seat.
Palm
Touch, lift, or hold with the hands;
Don't handle the merchandise
Hand
(Nautical)To roll up and secure (a sail); furl.
Hand
To give (the ball) directly to a teammate, as in football. Often used with off.
Hand
To carry, strike, or propel (the ball) with the hand or arm in violation of the rules in soccer.
Hand
To make a handoff, as in football. Often used with off.
Hand
The part of the forelimb below the forearm or wrist in a human, and the corresponding part in many other animals.
Her hands are really strong.
Hand
That which resembles, or to some extent performs the office of, a human hand.
Hand
A limb of certain animals, such as the foot of a hawk, or any one of the four extremities of a monkey.
Hand
An index or pointer on a dial; such as the hour and minute hands on the face of an analog clock, which are used to indicate the time of day.
Hand
That which is, or may be, held in a hand at once.
Hand
(card games) The set of cards held by a player.
Hand
(tobacco manufacturing) A bundle of tobacco leaves tied together.
Hand
(collective) A bunch of bananas.
Hand
That which has the appearance of, a human hand.
Hand
A bunch of bananas, a typical retail amount, where individual fruits are fingers.
Hand
In linear measurement:
Hand
Four inches, a hand's breadth.
Hand
(obsolete) Three inches.
Hand
A side; part, camp; direction, either right or left.
Hand
Power of performance; means of execution; ability; skill; dexterity.
Hand
(especially in compounds) An agent; a servant, or manual laborer; a workman, trained or competent for special service or duty.
Large farms need many farm hands.
Hand
A performer more or less skilful.
An old hand at public speaking
Hand
An instance of helping.
Bob gave Alice a hand to move the furniture.
Hand
Handwriting; style of penmanship.
A good hand
Hand
A person's autograph or signature.
Given under my Hand and Seal of the State this 1st Day of January, 2010.
Hand
Promise, word.
Hand
Personal possession; ownership.
Hand
Management, domain, control.
In safe hands;
In good hands;
He lost his job when the factory changed hands.
With the business back in the founder's hands, there is new hope for the company.
With John in charge of the project, it's in good hands.
Hand
Applause.
Give him a hand.
Hand
(historical) A Native American gambling game, involving guessing the whereabouts of bits of ivory or similar, which are passed rapidly from hand to hand.
Hand
(firearms) The small part of a gunstock near the lock, which is grasped by the hand in taking aim.
Hand
A whole rhizome of ginger.
Hand
The feel of a fabric; the impression or quality of the fabric as judged qualitatively by the sense of touch.
This fabric has a smooth, soft hand.
Hand
(archaic) Actual performance; deed; act; workmanship; agency; hence, manner of performance.
Hand
(archaic) Agency in transmission from one person to another.
To buy at first hand (from the producer, or when new);
To buy at second hand (when no longer in the producer’s hand, or when not new);
It's not a rumor. I heard it at first hand.
Hand
(obsolete) Rate; price.
Hand
(transitive) To give, pass or transmit with the hand, literally or figuratively.
He handed them the letter.
She handed responsibility over to her deputy.
Hand
(transitive) To lead, guide, or assist with the hand; to conduct.
To hand a lady into a carriage
Hand
To manage.
Hand
To seize; to lay hands on.
Hand
To pledge by the hand; to handfast.
Hand
To furl.
Hand
To cooperate.
Hand
That part of the fore limb below the forearm or wrist in man and monkeys, and the corresponding part in many other animals; manus; paw. See Manus.
Hand
That which resembles, or to some extent performs the office of, a human hand
Hand
A measure equal to a hand's breadth, - four inches; a palm. Chiefly used in measuring the height of horses.
Hand
Side; part; direction, either right or left.
On this hand and that hand, were hangings.
The Protestants were then on the winning hand.
Hand
Power of performance; means of execution; ability; skill; dexterity.
He had a great mind to try his hand at a Spectator.
Hand
Actual performance; deed; act; workmanship; agency; hence, manner of performance.
To change the hand in carrying on the war.
Gideon said unto God, If thou wilt save Israel by my hand.
Hand
An agent; a servant, or laborer; a workman, trained or competent for special service or duty; a performer more or less skillful; as, a deck hand; a farm hand; an old hand at speaking.
A dictionary containing a natural history requires too many hands, as well as too much time, ever to be hoped for.
I was always reckoned a lively hand at a simile.
Hand
Handwriting; style of penmanship; as, a good, bad, or running hand. Hence, a signature.
I say she never did invent this letter;This is a man's invention and his hand.
Some writs require a judge's hand.
Hand
Personal possession; ownership; hence, control; direction; management; - usually in the plural.
Albinus . . . found means to keep in his hands the government of Britain.
Hand
Agency in transmission from one person to another; as, to buy at first hand, that is, from the producer, or when new; at second hand, that is, when no longer in the producer's hand, or when not new.
Hand
Rate; price.
Hand
That which is, or may be, held in a hand at once
Hand
The small part of a gunstock near the lock, which is grasped by the hand in taking aim.
Hand
A gambling game played by American Indians, consisting of guessing the whereabouts of bits of ivory or the like, which are passed rapidly from hand to hand.
Hand
To give, pass, or transmit with the hand; as, he handed them the letter.
Hand
To lead, guide, or assist with the hand; to conduct; as, to hand a lady into a carriage.
Hand
To manage; as, I hand my oar.
Hand
To seize; to lay hands on.
Hand
To pledge by the hand; to handfast.
Hand
To furl; - said of a sail.
Hand
To coöperate.
Hand
The (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb;
He had the hands of a surgeon
He extended his mitt
Hand
A hired laborer on a farm or ranch;
The hired hand fixed the railing
A ranch hand
Hand
Something written by hand;
She recognized his handwriting
His hand was illegible
Hand
Ability;
He wanted to try his hand at singing
Hand
A position given by its location to the side of an object;
Objections were voiced on every hand
Hand
The cards held in a card game by a given player at any given time;
I didn't hold a good hand all evening
He kept trying to see my hand
Hand
One of two sides of an issue;
On the one hand..., but on the other hand...
Hand
A rotating pointer on the face of a timepiece;
The big hand counts the minutes
Hand
A unit of length equal to 4 inches; used in measuring horses;
The horse stood 20 hands
Hand
A member of the crew of a ship;
All hands on deck
Hand
A card player in a game of bridge;
We need a 4th hand for bridge
Hand
A round of applause to signify approval;
Give the little lady a great big hand
Hand
Terminal part of the forelimb in certain vertebrates (e.g. apes or kangaroos);
The kangaroo's forearms seem undeveloped but the powerful five-fingered hands are skilled at feinting and clouting
Hand
Physical assistance;
Give me a hand with the chores
Hand
Place into the hands or custody of;
Hand me the spoon, please
Turn the files over to me, please
He turned over the prisoner to his lawyers
Hand
Guide or conduct or usher somewhere;
Hand the elderly lady into the taxi
Common Curiosities
How is the skin on the palm different from the back of the hand?
The skin on the palm is thick, ridged, and hairless, whereas the back of the hand has thinner skin that may have fine hairs.
How do the palm and hand contribute to human tasks?
The palm aids in gripping, while the hand as a whole is involved in more complex tasks like writing, typing, and signaling.
What does the hand include?
The hand includes the palm, fingers, thumb, and the back part.
What are some tasks that require the coordination of the entire hand?
Tasks like writing, playing musical instruments, and typing require coordination of the entire hand.
What is the main function of the palm?
The main function of the palm is to aid in gripping and manipulating objects due to its padded surface.
What is the palm?
The palm is the inner surface of the hand, extending from the wrist to the bases of the fingers.
How does the palm contribute to the sense of touch?
The palm's sensitivity makes it a key player in the tactile exploration and identification of objects.
Can the hand be used for communication?
Yes, the hand is used in gestures and non-verbal communication.
How is the hand symbolically viewed in society?
The hand symbolizes human capability and interaction, often used to represent creativity and labor.
What makes the palm unique in terms of biology?
The palm is unique due to its lack of hair and the presence of unique fingerprints.
Is there any cultural significance to the palm?
Yes, in palmistry, the palm is believed to reveal fortune and life paths through its lines and mounts.
What role do the fingers and thumb play in the hand's function?
The fingers and thumb enable precision and versatility in tasks, allowing for a wide range of movements.
What precautions should be taken to protect the skin on the back of the hand?
The back of the hand should be protected from sun damage and injuries by using sunscreen and appropriate gear.
Why is the palm more sensitive than other parts of the hand?
The palm is more sensitive due to its thick, ridged skin and dense nerve endings.
How does the hand's structure facilitate human activities?
The hand's structure, comprising bones, muscles, and joints, facilitates a wide range of human activities by allowing complex and precise movements.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
