palpation

pal·pa·tion

noun \pal-ˈpā-shən\

Definition of PALPATION

1

: an act of touching or feeling

2

: physical examination in medical diagnosis by pressure of the hand or fingers to the surface of the body especially to determine the condition (as of size or consistency) of an underlying part or organ <palpation of the liver> <palpation of cervical lymph glands>—compare inspection