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

Signature massages use organic oils from the Almescar tree, derived from a bioactive resin which acts as a natural insect repellent, curative panacea, and incense. —Stephanie Rafanelli, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Feb. 2026

Both coffee and tea contain bioactive ingredients such as polyphenols and caffeine, which may reduce inflammation and cellular damage while defending against cognitive decline. —Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 10 Feb. 2026

Tea, like coffee, contains antioxidants and other bioactive compounds that may benefit your health. —Brittany Lubeck, Verywell Health, 29 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

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