hand (redirected from hired man)

hand, terminal part of the forelimb in primates. The human hand consists of the wrist, palm, four fingers, and thumb. In humans and other primates, the thumb is opposable, i.e., it can be moved into a position opposite to the other four digits. Opposable thumbs make possible precise movements such as grasping small objects. In vertebrates other than humans, the primary function of the hand is locomotion; the human hand, due to the evolutionary development of bipedalism, is freed for manipulative tasks. There are 27 bones in the human hand. The wrist, which joins the hand to the forearm, contains eight cubelike bones arranged in two rows of four bones each. The metacarpus, or palm, is composed of five long metacarpal bones. Fourteen phalangeal bones constitute the four fingers and thumb (three in each finger, two in the thumb). Ligaments interconnect the bones of the hand. The bones of the digits are anchored to muscles in the hand and to muscles in the arms and shoulders, through connections to tendons, permitting a wide range of movements. Among humans, the undersides of the fingers and palms have distinctive ridges, which improve grip and can be used as identification marks.

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hand

End part of the arm, consisting of the wrist joint, palm, thumb, and fingers. The hand has great mobility and flexibility to carry out precise movements. Bipedal locomotion in humans frees the hands for grasping and manipulation. The opposable thumb allows them to pick up small items and grip objects from both sides. Dexterity in the hands and increased brain size are believed to have evolved together in humans.

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hand

1. 

a. the prehensile part of the body at the end of the arm, consisting of a thumb, four fingers, and a palm

b. the bones of this part

2. the corresponding or similar part in animals

3. 

a. the cards dealt to one or all players in one round of a card game

b. a player holding such cards

c. one round of a card game

4. a member of a ship's crew

5. a unit of length measurement equalling four inches, used for measuring the height of horses, usually from the front hoof to the withers

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hand [hand]

(anatomy)

The terminal part of the upper extremity modified for grasping.

(control systems)

end effector

(textiles)

The quality or feel of a fabric.

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(chat)

HAND - Have A Nice Day. Often used sarcastically and in connection with HTH, as in: > Where's the point of alt.stupidity? Between the 't' and the 's'. HTH. HAND.