idiopathic

[id-ee-uh-path-ik]

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adjective Pathology.

of unknown cause, as a disease.

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Origin of idiopathic

First recorded in 1660–70; idio- + -pathic

Related formsid·i·o·path·i·cal·ly, adverb

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Related Words

prime dominant leading initial constitutional vital immediate underlying fundamental elementary main essential principal originating proceeding soaring rising springing issuing stemming

Examples from the Web for idiopathic

Historical Examples

What cases of chloasma are included in the idiopathic group?
Essentials of Diseases of the Skin
Henry Weightman Stelwagon
The most frequent form of idiopathic insanity is melancholia.
Essays In Pastoral Medicine
Austin Malley
A clear case of idiopathic or spontaneous hydrophobia has never yet been known to occur in the human subject.
Cooley's Cyclopdia of Practical Receipts and Collateral Information in the Arts, Manufactures, Professions, and Trades..., Sixth Edition, Volume I
Arnold Cooley
The birth of Topsy was idiopathic—in that learned lady's opinion.
Hard Cash
Charles Reade
Hydrocephalus may occur, either as an idiopathic or symptomatic affection.
North American Medical and Surgical Journal, Vol. 2, No. 3, July, 1826
Various

idiopathic in Medicine

idiopathic

(ĭd′ē-ə-păth′ĭk)

adj.

Of or relating to a disease having no known cause; agnogenic.
Of or relating to a disease that is not the result of any other disease.

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The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.

idiopathic in Science

idiopathic

[ĭd′ē-ə-păth′ĭk]

Relating to or being a disease having no known cause.

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The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.