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DictionarypalpateExamine by touch
verb

palpate

pal-PAYT/pælˈpeɪt/

To examine by touch, especially during a medical examination.

The clinician palpates the patient's neck with two fingertips to check lymph nodes.

Palpate: Black female clinician gently feels the side of an adult patient's neck for lymph nodes using two fingertips, professional clinic, patient seated fully clothed.
Etymology
palpateLatintouch gently, stroke

Latin palpare meant “touch gently” or “stroke.” Palpate gives that action an investigative purpose: the hands or fingers are used to examine something through touch.

In context

calliope whispers ASMR2:42
we take a a gentle hand here to palpate the skin just like that
Head to Toe Inspection, Palpation, Percussion, & Auscultation Exam 🩺 ASMR Soft Spoken Medical RP

More examples

  • The doctor gently palpates the abdomen for tender spots.
  • The veterinarian palpated the dog's belly during the examination.
  • Palpating the injured ankle helps the therapist locate the swelling.

Forms

palpate · palpates · palpated · palpating

palpation noun — Medical examination using hands or fingers.

Similar words

feel
Broader than palpate; does not necessarily involve medical examination.
examine
Can involve sight or tests rather than touch alone.