labiel

Labiel is a Dutch adjective used to describe something that is unstable, changeable, or easily altered. In everyday language it can refer to objects, situations, or moods that do not remain steady. In medical and psychological contexts, labiel is commonly used to characterize states or conditions that fluctuate over time, such as een labiele stemming or een labiele toestand.

Etymology and related terms. The term is derived from Latin labilis, meaning slipping or liable to fall, and entered Dutch via French as labile. In Dutch, it carries a nuance of volatility or instability that is not present in all synonyms, such as onstabiel or wisselvallig. Related terms in other languages include the English labile and the German labile or labil, which share a common root.

Usage in fields. In psychology and psychiatry, labiel describes emotional or behavioral states that are prone to rapid changes, requiring careful monitoring. In medicine, it may describe a patient whose vital signs or symptoms vary markedly. In chemistry and biology, labiel can refer to substances or systems that are unstable under normal conditions, tending to degrade or transform easily.

Examples. A Dutch sentence using the term is: Zijn stemming is labiel en kan snel omslaan. Een labiele toestand vraagt om regelmatige observatie. A labiele verbinding reageert snel onder invloed van licht of water.

See also. Related terms include onstabiel, wisselvallig, and cognates such as labile in English and labile in some scientific contexts.