Idiopathic
adjective
A term used to describe a disease or condition that arises spontaneously or for which the cause is unknown.
The patient was diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, meaning the cause of the disease was unknown.
Usage tips
Neutral
idiopathic arthritis, idiopathic epilepsy, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
adjective
A term used to describe a disease or condition that arises spontaneously or for which the cause is unknown.
The patient was diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, meaning the cause of the disease was unknown.
Usage tips
Neutral
idiopathic arthritis, idiopathic epilepsy, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Definition 1 of 1
Pro Tip 1/3Medical Terminology
'Idiopathic' is primarily used in medical contexts for conditions without a known cause.
The doctor explained that the idiopathic nature of her illness made treatment complex.
Pro Tip 2/3Unknown Origin
In various discussions, 'idiopathic' can mean something that doesn't have a clear source.
Symptoms can be idiopathic, complicating the diagnosis process.
Pro Tip 3/3Precision in Language
Using 'idiopathic' indicates a specific type of medical classification.
Instead of saying the cause is unknown, saying it's idiopathic is more precise.
Pro Tip 1/3Medical Terminology
'Idiopathic' is primarily used in medical contexts for conditions without a known cause.
The doctor explained that the idiopathic nature of her illness made treatment complex.
Pro Tip 2/3Unknown Origin
In various discussions, 'idiopathic' can mean something that doesn't have a clear source.
Symptoms can be idiopathic, complicating the diagnosis process.
Pro Tip 3/3Precision in Language
Using 'idiopathic' indicates a specific type of medical classification.
Instead of saying the cause is unknown, saying it's idiopathic is more precise.
Pro Tip 1/3Medical Terminology
'Idiopathic' is primarily used in medical contexts for conditions without a known cause.
The doctor explained that the idiopathic nature of her illness made treatment complex.
Pro Tip 2/3Unknown Origin
In various discussions, 'idiopathic' can mean something that doesn't have a clear source.
Symptoms can be idiopathic, complicating the diagnosis process.
Pro Tip 3/3Precision in Language
Using 'idiopathic' indicates a specific type of medical classification.
Instead of saying the cause is unknown, saying it's idiopathic is more precise.
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