A method of examination in which the examiner feels the size or shape or firmness or location of something (of body parts when the examiner is a health professional)

Wikipedia Word definitions in Wikipedia
Palpation is the process of using one's hands to examine the body, especially while perceiving/diagnosing a disease or illness. Usually performed by a healthcare practitioner, it is also the process of feeling an object in or on the body to determine its ...

WordNet Word definitions in WordNet
n. a method of examination in which the examiner feels the size or shape or firmness or location of something (of body parts when the examiner is a health professional) [syn: tactual exploration ]

Douglas Harper's Etymology Dictionary Word definitions in Douglas Harper's Etymology Dictionary
late 15c., from Middle French palpation , from Latin palpationem (nominative palpatio ) "stroking, flattering, flattery," noun of action from past participle stem of palpare "to touch" (see feel (v.)). Used in English in literal sense.

The Collaborative International Dictionary Word definitions in The Collaborative International Dictionary
Palpation \Pal*pa"tion\, n. [L. palpatio, fr. palpare. See Palpable .] Act of touching or feeling. (Med.) Examination of a patient by touch. --Quain.

Wiktionary Word definitions in Wiktionary
n. (context medicine English) The act of feeling or pushing on various parts of a patient’s body to determine medical condition such as the normality of organs or the presence or absence of tumors, swelling, muscle tension, etc.