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palpar

to feel

verb pahl-PAHR Rare

Origin: From Latin palpare, 'to touch gently'

Also means

to touch

Usage Note

Palpar implies deliberate tactile examination — a doctor palpa the abdomen to check for tenderness. It differs from tocar (to touch casually) in carrying a sense of exploration or probing. Figuratively, se palpa la tensión means 'the tension is palpable'.

Examples

"El médico palpó el abdomen del paciente."

Natural Translation

The doctor felt the patient's abdomen.

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