bioactive

adjective

bio·​ac·​tive ˌbī-ō-ˈak-tiv How to pronounce bioactive (audio)
: having an effect on a living organism
bioactive molecules
bioactivity noun

Examples of bioactive in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
These bioactive compounds may help to suppress diseases like Fusarium wilt and reduce the transmission of bacteria from agricultural crops to humans. Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 18 May 2025 Triterpenoid glycosides are bioactive plant compounds that can have different effects on human health. Angelica Bottaro, Verywell Health, 15 May 2025 Enter Cofactor by Elysium Health—a powerhouse 4-in-1 formula with bioactive collagen peptides, nicotinamide riboside to boost NAD+ levels and support cellular function, hyaluronic acid for hydration and elasticity, and vitamin C, a key player in collagen production. Kate Donnelly, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025 Ginger May Protect Against Atherosclerosis Those same bioactive compounds can also produce antioxidant effects, said Malone. Kathleen Ferraro, Verywell Health, 9 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for bioactive

Word History

First Known Use

1938, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of bioactive was in 1938

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Bioactive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bioactive. Accessed 28 May. 2025.

Medical Definition

bioactive

adjective
bio·​ac·​tive -ˈak-tiv How to pronounce bioactive (audio)
: having an effect on a living organism
bioactive molecules
bioactive pharmaceuticals and pesticides
bioactivity noun
plural bioactivities
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!