'impalpable' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'impalpabilis,' where 'in-' meant 'not' and 'palpabilis' meant 'that may be touched or felt.'

'impalpabilis' transformed into the French word 'impalpable,' and eventually became the modern English word 'impalpable' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'not able to be touched or felt,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.