bioavailability

noun

bio·​avail·​abil·​i·​ty ˌbī-(ˌ)ō-ə-ˌvā-lə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

: the degree and rate at which a substance (such as a drug) is absorbed into a living system or is made available at the site of physiological activity

bioavailable

ˌbī-(ˌ)ō-ə-ˈvā-lə-bəl 

adjective

Examples of bioavailability in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

So, the researchers investigated whether combining the drug with milk would improve its bioavailability. —Paul McClure 13, New Atlas, 13 Feb. 2025

Magnesium glycinate’s chemical composition contributes to its bioavailability and milder potential side effects. —Melissa Nieves, Verywell Health, 7 Feb. 2025

Liquid multivitamins often have higher bioavailability than capsules and soft gels.20 What Do Multivitamins Contain? —Lindsay Curtis, Verywell Health, 22 Jan. 2025

Hours and days were logged as though the act of articulating existence might increase its bioavailability to a person stuck in utero. —Molly Young, New York Times, 30 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1961, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

bioavailability

noun

bio·​avail·​abil·​i·​ty -ə-ˌvā-lə-ˈbil-ət-ē 

plural bioavailabilities

: the degree and rate at which a substance (as a drug) is absorbed into a living system or is made available at the site of physiological activity

bioavailable

-ˈvā-lə-bəl 

adjective