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

  1. 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

Origin of PALPABLE

Middle English, from Late Latin palpabilis, from Latin palpare to stroke, caress — more at feel
First Known Use: 14th century

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 palpableJournal of the American Medical Association>

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