bioactive
adjective
bio·ac·tive
ˌbī-ō-ˈak-tiv 
: having an effect on a living organism
bioactive molecules
Examples of bioactive in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
In this case, the team explored scorpion venom for potential bioactive molecules—substances that affect living tissues in a beneficial way, such as fighting infections or cancer.
—
Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 June 2025
Jalapeños contain capsaicin, a powerful bioactive compound which gives them their signature heat/spice.
—Heather Riske, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 July 2025
New research led by Australia’s Macquarie University has demonstrated that two of the bioactive ingredients in cannabis, the cannabinoids cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabidivarin (CBDV), have impressive antifungal properties when used topically.
—Paul McClure 14, New Atlas, 14 June 2025
The thick cream—meant to be used a few times a week—uses a mix of bioactive marine ingredients and staples like hyaluronic acid and vitamin B6 to deeply repair the skin barrier.
—Perrie Samotin, Glamour, 31 Mar. 2025
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Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 June 2025
Jalapeños contain capsaicin, a powerful bioactive compound which gives them their signature heat/spice.
—Heather Riske, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 July 2025
New research led by Australia’s Macquarie University has demonstrated that two of the bioactive ingredients in cannabis, the cannabinoids cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabidivarin (CBDV), have impressive antifungal properties when used topically.
—Paul McClure 14, New Atlas, 14 June 2025
The thick cream—meant to be used a few times a week—uses a mix of bioactive marine ingredients and staples like hyaluronic acid and vitamin B6 to deeply repair the skin barrier.
—Perrie Samotin, Glamour, 31 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for bioactive
Cite this Entry
“Bioactive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bioactive. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
bioactive
adjective
bio·ac·tive
-ˈak-tiv
: having an effect on a living organism
bioactive molecules
bioactive pharmaceuticals and pesticides
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