(băl-ŏt-mŏn′)
[Pronunciation]
[Fr. balloter, to toss about]

1. A palpatory technique used to detect or examine a floating object in the body, such as an organ.
It is used in examining the abdomen esp. when ascites is present, and joint effusions.
2. A diagnostic maneuver in pregnancy.
The fetus or a fetal part rebounds when displaced by a light tap of the examining finger through the vagina.