Definition of impalpable

The word "impalpable" comes from the Latin "impalpabilis," meaning "inconceivable" or "unperceptible." This Latin term is a combination of "in," meaning "not," and "palpus," meaning "touch" or "perception." In English, the word "impalpable" was first used in the 17th century to describe something that cannot be physically touched or perceived through the sense of touch. Over time, the word took on additional meanings, including "intangible," "ethereal," and "beyond the reach of perception." Today, "impalpable" is often used to describe abstract concepts, emotions, or ideas that are difficult to grasp or understand.