Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Fan palm
Fan′ palmˊ
.(Bot.)
Any palm tree having fan-shaped or radiate leaves; as the
Chamærops humilis
of Southern Europe; the species of Sabal
and Thrinax
in the West Indies, Florida, etc.; and especially the great talipot tree (Corypha umbraculifera
) of Ceylon and Malaya. The leaves of the latter are often eighteen feet long and fourteen wide, and are used for umbrellas, tents, and roofs. When cut up, they are used for books and manuscripts.