bioabsorbable

adjective

bio·​ab·​sorb·​able ˌbī-(ˌ)ō-əb-ˈsȯr-bə-bəl 

-ˈzȯr-

: capable of being absorbed into living tissue

One advantage of a bioabsorbable stent is that the arteries can remain flexible after the device dissolves. That's not possible with metal stents.

—Peter Benesh

A newer arthroscopic procedure involves the use of bioabsorbable anchors and tacks. These tiny devices, used to secure internal sutures, are made of a sugar-like substance that dissolves in the system within a month or two following arthroscopic surgery.

—Food & Fitness Advisor

Examples of bioabsorbable in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The only difference is Ephemeral’s ink: Crafted from medical-grade, bioabsorbable, biocompatible polymers, it’s made to last nine to 15 months. —The Editors, Los Angeles Times, 13 Oct. 2021

The company was the first to get FDA approval for a bioabsorbable polymer drug-eluting stent, which means it’s coated with a slow-release medication to help prevent blood clotting. —Dallas News, 1 Feb. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1976, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

bioabsorbable

adjective

bio·​ab·​sorb·​able ˌbī-ō-əb-ˈzȯr-bə-bəl, -ˈsȯr- 

: capable of being absorbed into living tissue

One advantage of a bioabsorbable stent is that the arteries can remain flexible after the device dissolves. That's not possible with metal stents.

—Peter Benesh, Investor's Business Daily

A newer arthroscopic procedure involves the use of bioabsorbable anchors and tacks. These tiny devices, used to secure internal sutures, are made of a sugar-like substance that dissolves in the system within a month or two following arthroscopic surgery.

—Food & Fitness Advisor