palpation

American  

[pal-pey-shuhn] / ˌpælˈpeɪ ʃən /

noun

1. the act of examining a person or thing by touch, especially a patient in order to make a diagnosis.

   His belly is distended, and on deep palpation I clearly feel a hard mass in the upper right quadrant.

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Etymology

Origin of palpation

First recorded in 1450–1500; from Latin palpātiōn-, stem of palpātiō “a stroking, flattery”; see palpate ¹ ( def. ), -ion ( def. )

Example Sentences

The sensors enabled the simulator to offer feedback never before available on palpation: the use of touch in clinical practice for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.

From Slate • Nov. 7, 2013

Since the first rib is hidden behind the clavicle, the second rib is the highest rib that can be identified by palpation.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

Brennan’s examination was conducted by the method of palpation the larynx.

From New York Times • Jun. 11, 2013

“Immediately following gas instillation,” wrote Levitt in the final paper, “air inside the pantaloons was constantly mixed via vigorous palpation over a 30-second period.”

From Salon • Apr. 7, 2013

After inspecting the parts from the front, the surgeon stands behind the patient and systematically examines by palpation the shoulder girdle and upper end of the humerus.

From Manual of Surgery Volume Second: Extremities—Head—Neck. Sixth Edition. by Miles, Alexander

Related Words

• ambience
• atmosphere
• aura
• feeling
• impression
• mood
• quality
• sense
• touch