'base-labile' originates from Modern English as a compound of 'base' and 'labile'; 'base' in the chemical sense ultimately traces to Greek 'basis' (via Latin/Old French) and refers to alkaline substances, while 'labile' comes from Latin 'labilis' meaning 'liable to slip or fall'.

'labile' changed from Latin 'labilis' (from the verb 'labi', to slip) through Medieval/Neo-Latin and French influences into the English adjective 'labile'; the compound 'base-labile' is a descriptive modern English formation used especially in chemistry.

Initially 'labilis' meant 'liable to slip or fall'; over time 'labile' acquired a broader sense of 'liable to change or break down', and in modern scientific usage 'base-labile' specifically means 'easily altered or cleaved by basic (alkaline) conditions.'