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

The oil provides the same fats and bioactive compounds whether taken alone or incorporated into food, Katz says. — Randi Gollin, Martha Stewart, 16 Aug. 2026

These bioactive compounds are powerful antioxidants that help the body’s immune system function at its highest capacity by reducing inflammation. — Christina Manian, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Aug. 2026

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

Mogo Farm notes that reishi has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries and contains bioactive compounds such as polysaccharides, triterpenes and antioxidants that help regulate the immune system and reduce inflammation. — Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 26 June 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