bioactive

adjective

bio·​ac·​tive ˌbī-ō-ˈak-tiv 

: having an effect on a living organism

bioactive molecules

bioactivity

ˌbī-ō-ak-ˈti-və-tē 

noun

Examples of bioactive in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

While fucoidans – which are found throughout brown algae species – is known for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immune-system-regulating properties, it's proven difficult for scientists to pry out its full bioactive potential. —New Atlas, 24 Aug. 2025

The developer went on to say the proprietary blend featured in this collection combines bioactive CO2 extracts, including goldenrod and goldenseal. —Dahvi Shira, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2025

The researchers also said the strategy used in their study could be adapted for rapid screening of bioactive metabolites in other complex food matrices. —Hannah Millington, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Aug. 2025

Curcumin Curcumin is the bioactive compound of the spice turmeric. —Carol Eustice, Verywell Health, 18 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1938, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for bioactive

• attractive
• contractive
• extractive
• inactive
• proactive
• reactive
• refractive
• subtractive
• active
• tractive
• hyperactive
• interactive

Medical Definition

bioactive

adjective

bio·​ac·​tive -ˈak-tiv 

: having an effect on a living organism

bioactive molecules

bioactive pharmaceuticals and pesticides

bioactivity

-ak-ˈtiv-ət-ē 

noun

plural bioactivities