I wanted to start this thread so that anybody, newbie or veteran, could ask what terms actually mean.
Just post a reply with any words for which you lack context definition and rely on those smarter than us to provide the wisdom.

I'll go first:

What does "Windows" actually mean, and what's the difference between a Windows and No-Windows palm?

one is PC & one is MAC

one is PC & one is MAC

I like your answer!

Good idea for a thread and even one I know a little bit about.

A less entertaining answer is seen in these photos. The windows are slit like openings in the leaves shown in the little dark green Reinhardtia gracilis and the eventually large Beccariophoenix madagascariensis sp.Windows. I don't grow the Beccariophoenix without the leaf openings so someone else can show that one.

To add to the confusion, I'm told that my Beccariophoenix will eventually stop making leaves with the distinctive openings which I will miss. The Reinhardtia should now always make them, although neither palms have windows in their seedling leaves.

It all just adds to the challenge and fun of growing these grand trees.

I have Pinned; Dr. John Dransfield, Dr. Bill Baker & team's 'Glossary of Palm Terms' to the top of the category index page, and there is much info on windows and such in the second link, see photos for 'windows', Ed

http://www.palmpedia.net/wiki/Category:PALM_GENERA

http://www.palmpedia.net/wiki/Category:BECCARIOPHOENIX

Great references with authoritative answers! It's still useful to have a thread where short answers in non technical words are acceptable. Then when we want more detail we can use the links.

So anyone feel free to post any questions here or elsewhere and someone on this forum will surely know the answer.

Although previous posts (Thanks to Bill and the search engine here) have clarified my questions," tillering" and "heels" were palm terms that confused me.

one is PC & one is MAC

I like your answer!

Good idea for a thread and even one I know a little bit about.

A less entertaining answer is seen in these photos. The windows are slit like openings in the leaves shown in the little dark green Reinhardtia gracilis and the eventually large Beccariophoenix madagascariensis sp.Windows. I don't grow the Beccariophoenix without the leaf openings so someone else can show that one.

To add to the confusion, I'm told that my Beccariophoenix will eventually stop making leaves with the distinctive openings which I will miss. The Reinhardtia should now always make them, although neither palms have windows in their seedling leaves.

It all just adds to the challenge and fun of growing these grand trees.

Thanks! This makes so much more sense now!

Maybe we just need a crash course in basic palm anatomy and general terminology? Or even a short lesson in the differences between the major genera/families of palms?

I'd love it. I like latin names but my eyes can glaze over at to much plant anatomy at one time.

A term ideally with a visual every day/week would be great. Of course someone who really knows this stuff should help do this but the rest of us can make the effort too. Perhaps when (being positive) things settle down here we can give this idea a try with all of us contributing as we have time.

Okay, here's another:

"Mealy-Bug"

Just Dypsis? Other palms? What does it mean!?!?

"Mealy Bug" was coined by Mardy Darian to describe the white markings on Dypsis mananjarensis. These marking run along the palm and look like the mealy bug pests. A quick search in this forum will net you plenty of pictures of it.

When I first heard this common name for a lovely palm it certainly didn't seem flattering. However it is quite descriptive and easy to remember. Thanks for the source as I had no idea.

Mardy Darian is a familiar and famous name and I owe him much for his part in collecting and promoting palms.