This is the 279th most frequent Catalan word.
palma
"Palma" in Catalan means "palm" (as in the palm of the hand or a palm tree).
Refers to the palm of a hand.
La palma de la meva mà és molt suau.
The palm of my hand is very soft.
In this context, 'palma' metaphorically refers to a gesture of approval or recognition, akin to a 'pat on the back'.
Vaig rebre una palma al partit per la meva defensa excel·lent.
I received a pat on the back in the match for my excellent defense.
Refers to a geographical location, the city of Palma in Mallorca.