<p><strong>Adjective:</strong></p><ul><li>that may not be touched; of a nature such that it cannot be touched; not palpable; intangible</li><li>too distant to be touched</li><li>vile or loathsome to the touch</li><li>beyond criticism, control, or suspicion (e.g., Modern writers consider no subject untouchable)</li></ul><p><strong>Noun:</strong></p><ul><li>(Hinduism) the former name given to a member of the lowest castes in India whose touch was believed to defile a high-caste Hindu; compare Scheduled Caste</li><li>a person who is beyond reproach as to honesty, diligence, etc.</li><li>a person disregarded or shunned by society or a particular group; social outcast (e.g., political untouchables)</li><li>a person or thing considered inviolable or beyond criticism (e.g., such untouchables as Social Security in the federal budget)</li></ul>