Idiopathic means which of the following?

• A. Idiopathic
• B. Lateral
• C. Macule
• D. Incontinence

Answer: (A)

Idiopathic describes a condition with an unknown cause. In medical terminology, it’s used when thorough investigation fails to reveal an identifiable reason for the disease or symptom. So the word itself matches the concept being asked: a condition whose origin isn’t known.

To contrast briefly: lateral means toward the side, macule is a flat skin spot of color change, and incontinence is the inability to control bladder or bowel functions. These describe other ideas, not unknown etiology, which is why idiopathic is the correct match.