First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
palpable
adjective pal·pa·ble \ˈpal-pə-bəl\
: obvious and noticeable
Full Definition of PALPABLE
1
: capable of being touched or felt : tangible
2
: easily perceptible : noticeable <a palpable difference>
3
: easily perceptible by the mind : manifest
— pal·pa·bil·i·ty \ˌpal-pə-ˈbi-lə-tē\ noun
— pal·pa·bly \ˈpal-pə-blē\ adverb
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Examples of PALPABLE
- A positive patch-test result, measured by a visible and palpable localized response, denotes a delayed hypersensitivity response … —Simon Kallal et al., New England Journal of Medicine, 7 Feb. 2008
- When I'm back in nature after months of walking around on concrete and living in boxes, I feel a palpable internal shift. —Al Gore, An Inconvenient Truth, 2006
- As pushcart vendors manned the stadium concourses, ringing bicycle bells and selling E-lados ice cream in paper cups, and concessionaires poured shots of Cutty Sark and blended piña coladas, there was a palpable sense of spirit. —Daniel G. Habib, Sports Illustrated, 21 Apr. 2003
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Origin of PALPABLE
Middle English, from Late Latin palpabilis, from Latin palpare to stroke, caress — more at feel
Related to PALPABLE
- Synonyms
- appreciable, apprehensible, detectable, discernible (also discernable), distinguishable, perceptible, sensible
Synonym Discussion of PALPABLE
perceptible, sensible, palpable, tangible, appreciable, ponderable mean apprehensible as real or existent. perceptible applies to what can be discerned by the senses often to a minimal extent <a perceptible difference in sound to a careful listener>. sensible applies to whatever is clearly apprehended through the senses or impresses itself strongly on the mind <an abrupt, sensible drop in temperature>. palpable applies either to what has physical substance or to what is obvious and unmistakable <the tension in the air was almost palpable>. tangible suggests what is capable of being handled or grasped both physically and mentally <no tangible evidence of UFOs>. appreciable applies to what is distinctly discernible by the senses or definitely measurable <an appreciable increase in income>. ponderable suggests having definitely measurable weight or importance <exerted a ponderable influence on world events>.
Medical Dictionary
palpable
adjective pal·pa·ble \ˈpal-pə-bəl\
Medical Definition of PALPABLE
: capable of being touched or felt; especially : capable of being examined by palpation <the tip of the spleen was questionably palpable—Journal of the American Medical Association>
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