Meaning and usage of the word idiopathic in English

The word "idiopathic" comes from the Greek language, with "idiōpathes" being the Greek root from which it is derived. "Idiō" means "self" or "own," and "pathos" means "feeling" or "suffering." Thus, "idiopathic" etymologically translates to "self-originated" or "self-caused." In medical terminology, an idiopathic condition or disease is one for which a specific cause or explanation cannot be identified. This term is typically used to describe rare or uncommon symptoms, as opposed to more common pathologies that have well-established causes and underlying mechanisms. In other words, when healthcare professionals cannot find a clear cause for a particular symptom or illness, they often label it as idiopathic.