The feeling of movement of liquid inside part of the body or inside a cyst when pressed by the fingers.
The characteristic feeling of a wave motion produced in a fluid-filled part of the body by an examiner’s fingers. If fluctuation is present when a swelling is examined, this is an indication that there is fluid within and that the swelling is not due to a solid growth.
A sign indicating a collection of fluid. It is demonstrated by laying the fingers of one hand upon one side of the swelling and, with those of the other hand, tapping or pressing suddenly on a distant part of the swelling. The ‘thrill’ communicated from one hand to the other through the fluid is one of the most important signs of the presence of an abscess, or of effusion of fluid into joints or into the peritoneal cavity.