# palm tree

> English word · Noun

## Definitions
1. A tree of the family Arecaceae usually characterised by having a single stem or trunk, directly from which sprout several leaves or fronds giving a shape like an outstretched hand.

## Etymology
From Middle English palmetre, from Old English palmtrēow (“palm tree”), equivalent to palm + tree. Compare Danish palmetræ (“palm tree”), Swedish palmträd (“palm tree”), Norwegian palmetre (“palm tree”), Icelandic pálmatré (“palm tree”).

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/palm-tree