1. capable of being perceived; especially capable of being handled or touched or felt (Freq. 1) - a barely palpable dust - felt sudden anger in a palpable wave - the air was warm and close--palpable as cotton - a palpable lie • Syn: tangible • Ant: impalpable • Similar to: perceptible • See Also: perceptible • Derivationally related forms: tangibleness (for: tangible), tangibility (for: tangible) 2. can be felt by palpation - a palpable tumor • Similar to: perceptible • Derivationally related forms: palpability • Topics: medicine, medical specialty