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

Orange peels are rich in bioactive compounds such as citric acids, flavonoids, polyphenols, and essential oils like limonene. — Lee Wallender, The Spruce, 22 June 2026

Most antibiotics are single bioactive molecules, and some can be thwarted with single mutations. — Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 26 June 2026

Coffee Coffee offers antioxidants with a wide variety of bioactive compounds that can help protect against harmful free radicals. — Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, Health, 19 May 2026

Coffee is a complex beverage with multiple bioactive components including (but not limited to) caffeine. — Paul Hsieh, Forbes.com, 30 May 2026

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