palpate

¹

[ pal-peyt ]

verb (used with object)

, pal·pat·ed, pal·pat·ing.

1. to examine by touch, especially for the purpose of diagnosing disease or illness.

palpate

²

[ pal-peyt ]

adjective

, Zoology.

1. having a palpus or palpi. palpus.

palpate

¹

/ ˈpælpeɪt /

adjective

1. zoology of, relating to, or possessing a palp or palps

palpate

²

/ ˈpælpeɪt /

verb

1. tr med to examine (an area of the body) by the sense of touch and pressure

Derived Forms

• palˈpation, noun

Other Words From

• pal·pa·tion [pal-, pey, -sh, uh, n] noun
• pal·pa·to·ry [pal, -p, uh, -tawr-ee], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of palpate¹

First recorded in 1840–50; from Latin palpātus, past participle of palpāre “to stroke, touch”; palpus, -ate ¹

Origin of palpate²

First recorded in 1855–60; palp(us) + -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of palpate¹

C19: from Latin palpāre to stroke

Example Sentences

Before we necessarily had breasts, we were instructed to palpate the diseased, curvaceous effigy to feel for lumps.

From The Daily Beast

The swelling is usually sessile, but may be pedunculated; it is usually possible to palpate the edges of the gap in the bones.

From Project Gutenberg

It is better then to palpate for the brachial as it lies beneath the inner edge of the biceps muscle.

From Project Gutenberg