* Hand: This refers to the way the lens is held and used, in the hand.
* Lens: This refers to the piece of transparent material that refracts light to magnify objects.
The word "lens" itself comes from the Latin word "lens," meaning "lentil," due to the lens's resemblance to the shape of a lentil seed.
Therefore, "hand lens" is simply a descriptive term indicating a lens designed to be held and used in the hand.