First Known Use: 1603
Dictionary
labile
adjective la·bile \ˈlā-ˌbī(-ə)l, -bəl\
Definition of LABILE
1
: readily or continually undergoing chemical, physical, or biological change or breakdown : unstable <a labile mineral>
2
: readily open to change
— la·bil·i·ty \lā-ˈbi-lə-tē\ noun
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Origin of LABILE
French, from Middle French, prone to err, from Late Latin labilis, from Latin labi to slip — more at sleep
Other Biology Terms
Medical Dictionary
labile
adjective la·bile \ˈlā-ˌbīl, -bəl\
Medical Definition of LABILE
: readily or frequently changing: as a : readily or continually undergoing chemical, physical, or biological change or breakdown <a labile antigen> b : characterized by wide fluctuations (as in blood pressure or glucose tolerance) <labile hypertension> <labile diabetes> c : emotionally unstable
—la·bil·i·ty \lā-ˈbil-ət-ē\ noun, plural la·bil·i·ties
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