WordValepalpation
examining the body by feeling with the hands
In more detail
1. (noun) the act of examining a patient's body by touching and feeling with the hands, typically as part of a medical examination
2. (noun) the technique of feeling or pressing on something with the hands to determine its condition or characteristics
Examples
- 1. The doctor performed a palpation of the patient's abdomen to check for any abnormalities.
- 2. Palpation of the tumor revealed that it was firm and immovable.
How to use palpation
Palpation is a technical medical term used to describe the diagnostic technique where a doctor or clinician examines a patient by touch, applying varying degrees of pressure to assess organs, tissues, and abnormalities. It is most common in clinical and anatomical contexts and is often distinguished from other examination methods like percussion or auscultation.
Common phrases
- abdominal palpation
- clinical palpation
- palpation of the chest
- gentle palpation
- deep palpation
- palpation reveals
Synonyms
palpating · physical examination · manual examination · tactile examination · feeling
Word family
palpate (verb) · palpable (adjective) · palpably (adverb)
A common mistake
Learners sometimes confuse palpation with palpitation (a heartbeat sensation); palpation involves examining by touch, while palpitation refers to an awareness of one's own heartbeat.
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