What is a confounding​ variable?

A. A confounding variable is a response variable that was not considered in a study whose effect cannot be distinguished from a second explanatory variable in the study.
B. A confounding variable is an explanatory variable that was considered in a study whose effect cannot be distinguished from a second explanatory variable in the study.
C. A confounding variable is a response variable that has an effect on the explanatory​ variable, but it cannot be accurately measured in the study.
D. A confounding variable is the explanatory variable on which a study has been focused.