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 flavorful ingredients boast an impressive profile of bioactive compounds that can support many areas of health. —Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, Health, 9 July 2025

Berries and their bioactive compounds have been shown to suppress the risk of various cancers, including prostate cancer. —Brittany Poulson, People.com, 8 July 2025

Interestingly, research has found that asthmatics tend to have lower levels of IgG. While camel milk is rich in these bioactive compounds, the study didn’t isolate or quantify which specific components were responsible for the observed effects. —New Atlas, 6 July 2025

Investigate regenerative options: PRF, stem cell therapies and bioactive scaffolds are game changers for tissue health. —Ximena Araya-Fischel, Forbes.com, 4 July 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