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

Researchers in China found that different types of monk fruit contain a mix of antioxidants and bioactive plant compounds tied to inflammation and metabolism, according to a study published this month in the Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture. —Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 27 Jan. 2026

The scientists discovered that monk fruit offers a wide range of bioactive compounds like antioxidants, plant metabolites, and amino acids (which are the building blocks of proteins and support tissue repair). —Korin Miller, SELF, 15 Jan. 2026

Then, thanks to their bioactive glass coating, the particles help regenerate tissue. —New Atlas, 3 Jan. 2026

Each of the products is formulated with bioactive ingredients derived from kinkeliba, a West African shrub that is often used to make tea. —Justin Fenner, Robb Report, 31 Dec. 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