pal·pate¹ (păl'pāt')
tr.v., -pat·ed, -pat·ing, -pates.
To examine or explore by touching (an organ or area of the body), usually as a diagnostic aid. See synonyms at touch.

[Latin palpāre, palpāt-, to touch gently.]

palpation pal·pa'tion n.
palpator pal'pa'tor n.
palpatory pal'pa·tor'y (-pə-tôr'ē, -tōr'ē) adj.

pal·pate² (păl'pāt')
adj.
Having a palp or palps.

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The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

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