Able to be touched or felt physically; so intense or obvious as to seem touchable. Often used metaphorically to describe emotions or atmospheres that are strongly perceptible.
From Latin 'palpabilis,' from 'palpare' (to touch gently, stroke). The root is related to 'palpitation' (feeling your heartbeat) and emphasizes the sense of touch as a way of knowing something is real.
Palpable = 'pal-pable' — your pal can feel it too! When tension is palpable, everyone in the room can almost touch it. It's so obvious that even your least sensitive pal would notice.
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