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A.Word.A.Day--palmy

This week's theme: Words from the plant kingdom

palmy (PAH-mee) adjective

1. Abounding in palm trees.
2. Flourishing; prosperous.

[From Latin palma (palm tree).]

The term palmy is usually used to refer to a time in the past. The name of the palm tree derives from the resemblance of the shape of its frond to the palm of a hand. Why the association of palm with prosperity? The fronds of the palm tree were carried as symbols of victory in ancient times. There is a related term, palmary, meaning outstanding or praiseworthy.

"Below, the oceanfront mansion in East Hampton, N.Y., bought in his palmy days." (photo caption)
Eric Wilson; Decline And Fall of Helmut Lang; The New York Times; May 26, 2005.

See more usage examples of palmy in Vocabulary.com's dictionary.

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