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paume

palm

noun pohm Rare

Origin: Latin 'palma'

Usage Note

Paume refers to the palm of the hand — the inner flat surface. The historic French ball game jeu de paume was played by hitting a ball with the palm before rackets were introduced; the Revolution's Tennis Court Oath of 1789 was sworn in a jeu de paume at Versailles. Do not confuse with pomme (apple).

Examples

"Il tenait la pièce dans la paume de sa main."

Natural Translation

He held the coin in the palm of his hand.

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