palpation

n. feeling, touching; examination by touching, examination by feeling

Palpation is used as part of a physical examination in which an object is felt (usually with the hands of a healthcare practitioner) to determine its size, shape, firmness, or location. Palpation should not be confused with palpitation, which is an awareness of the beating of the heart.
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Palpation /pal·pa·tion/ the act of feeling with the hand; the application of the fingers with light pressure to the surface of the body for the [more]Palpation - Community and Resources

Noun
1. a method of examination in which the examiner feels the size or shape or firmness or location of something (of body parts when the examiner is a health professional)
(synonym) tactual exploration
(hypernym) examination, scrutiny
(hyponym) ballottement
(derivation) palpate, feel

n. palpation, feeling, touching