bioavailability

noun

bio·​avail·​abil·​i·​ty ˌbī-(ˌ)ō-ə-ˌvā-lə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

: the degree and rate at which a substance (such as a drug) is absorbed into a living system or is made available at the site of physiological activity

bioavailable

ˌbī-(ˌ)ō-ə-ˈvā-lə-bəl 

adjective

Examples of bioavailability in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Research indicates that algae oil is comparable to fish oil in terms of overall omega-3 bioavailability. — Lauren Panoff, Verywell Health, 2 Sep. 2026

Total protein consumed matters, but the bioavailability, or how well the human body can use the protein, is also important. — Lyssanoel Frater, Ascend Agency, 13 Apr. 2026

That testing not only helps ensure bioavailability and efficacy, but also tests for purity, potency, and contaminants. — Brianna Peters, Vogue, 6 Mar. 2026

This hearty winter veggie conveniently is always enjoyed cooked—upping beta carotene bioavailability—and is excellent roasted, mashed, or pureed to be added to stews, curries, baked goods, casseroles, pastas, and more. — Christina Manian, Health, 6 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1961, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for bioavailability

• communicability
• comprehensibility
• deliverability
• differentiability
• impenetrability
• impermeability
• impracticability
• inaccessibility
• inadmissibility
• inapplicability
• incompatibility
• indestructibility

Medical Definition

bioavailability

noun

bio·​avail·​abil·​i·​ty -ə-ˌvā-lə-ˈbil-ət-ē 

plural bioavailabilities

: the degree and rate at which a substance (as a drug) is absorbed into a living system or is made available at the site of physiological activity

bioavailable

-ˈvā-lə-bəl 

adjective