IMPALPABLE

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does impalpable mean? 

• IMPALPABLE (adjective)
  The adjective IMPALPABLE has 3 senses:

1. incapable of being perceived by the senses especially the sense of touch

2. imperceptible to the senses or the mind

3. not perceptible to the touch

  Familiarity information: IMPALPABLE used as an adjective is uncommon.

 Dictionary entry details 

• IMPALPABLE (adjective)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Incapable of being perceived by the senses especially the sense of touch

Synonyms:

impalpable; intangible

Context example:

the intangible constituent of energy

Also:

abstract (existing only in the mind; separated from embodiment)

Derivation:

impalpability (the quality of being intangible and not perceptible by touch)

Sense 2

Meaning:

Imperceptible to the senses or the mind

Context example:

as impalpable as a dream

Similar:

elusive; subtle (difficult to detect or grasp by the mind or analyze)

Also:

imperceptible; unperceivable (impossible or difficult to perceive by the mind or senses)

Antonym:

palpable (capable of being perceived; especially capable of being handled or touched or felt)

Sense 3

Meaning:

Not perceptible to the touch

Context example:

an impalpable pulse

Similar:

imperceptible; unperceivable (impossible or difficult to perceive by the mind or senses)

 Context examples 

As he swept his long arms, as though brushing aside some impalpable obstacle, the wolves fell back and back further still.

(Dracula, by Bram Stoker)

We are, and must be, one and all, burdened with faults in this world: but the time will soon come when, I trust, we shall put them off in putting off our corruptible bodies; when debasement and sin will fall from us with this cumbrous frame of flesh, and only the spark of the spirit will remain,—the impalpable principle of light and thought, pure as when it left the Creator to inspire the creature: whence it came it will return; perhaps again to be communicated to some being higher than man—perhaps to pass through gradations of glory, from the pale human soul to brighten to the seraph!

(Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Brontë)