palpación
/palpaˈθjon/
The English phrase 'palpation' is translated into Spanish as palpación.
In a medical context, palpación refers to the act of palpation.
Meaning: in medicine (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is derived from the Spanish verb palpar, which means 'to touch' or 'to feel'.
How does it change in a sentence?
As a feminine noun, palpación is preceded by the feminine article la (e.g., la palpación).
How do you pronounce it?
/palpaˈθjon/
Did you know?
- In some regions, the verb palpar is used colloquially to mean 'to feel out' or 'to test the waters' regarding a person's reaction to a proposal.
- In many Spanish-speaking legal and journalistic contexts, if a fact is described as palpable, it implies the evidence is so clear it is practically indisputable.
- Spanish has a distinct difference between palpar (to examine by touch) and tocar (to touch), whereas English often uses 'touch' for both actions.
Examples in context
- El médico realizó una palpación abdominal para evaluar posibles tumoraciones.The doctor performed an abdominal palpation to assess potential tumors.
- El especialista realizó una exploración mediante palpación para detectar signos de inflamación.The specialist performed an examination using palpation to detect signs of inflammation.
- Realizaremos una exploración con las manos para detectar cualquier cambio.We will perform a hands-on examination to detect any changes.
- Realizaré una palpación de su abdomen para comprobar si hay alguna anomalía.I will now perform a palpation of your abdomen to check for any abnormalities.
- El terapeuta utilizó la palpación para evaluar el rango de movimiento en las articulaciones del paciente.The therapist used palpation to assess the range of motion in the patient's joints.
- La palpación del abdomen es necesaria.Abdominal palpation is necessary.
- El médico realizó una palpación cuidadosa.The doctor performed a careful palpation.
- La palpación ayuda al diagnóstico.Palpation helps with the diagnosis.
Example conversation
A doctor is explaining a procedure to a patient in a clinic.
- DanielSofía, la palpación será indolora.Sofía, the palpation will be painless.
- Sofía¿Es necesaria la palpación ahora?Is palpation necessary right now?
- DanielSí, para revisar su abdomen.Yes, to check your abdomen.
- SofíaEntiendo, gracias doctor.I understand, thank you doctor.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry palpación, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
