pal·pate 1 
(pălpāt′)
(pălpāt′)tr.v. pal·pat·ed, pal·pat·ing, pal·pates
To examine or explore by touching (an organ or area of the body), usually as a diagnostic aid.
[Latin palpāre, palpāt-, to touch gently; see pāl- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.]
pal·pation n.
palpa′tor n.
palpa·tor′y (-pə-tôr′ē) adj.