pal·pate I. \ˈpalˌpāt, usu -ād.+V\verb (-ed/-ing/-s) Etymology: probably back formation from palpation transitive verb : to examine by touch : explore by palpation intransitive verb : to use the technique of palpation II. adjective Etymology: New Latin palpatus, from palpus + Latin -atus -ate : having a palpus or palpi