bioavailability
/ˌbaɪəʊˌæv.ə.ləˈbɪl.ɪ.ti/ IELTSAcademic
noun
The amount of a drug or substance that enters the body and can be used after it is taken. It is often used in medicine and pharmacy.
- This tablet has better bioavailability.
- The doctor explained the drug's bioavailability.
- Food can affect the bioavailability of iron.
Adinary Nuance
Bioavailability is more specific than availability. It does not mean “easy to get” in general; it means how much of a substance can actually be used by the body. Writers choose it in medical, nutritional, and pharmacological contexts, not everyday speech.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- khả dụng sinh học
- Spanish
- biodisponibilidad
- Chinese
- 生物利用度
- Japanese
- 生物学的利用能
- Korean
- 생체이용률
Etymology
Built from bio- and availability in modern scientific English. It became common in medicine and pharmacology in the 20th century.
Common phrases
oral bioavailabilitylow bioavailabilityincrease bioavailabilitydrug bioavailability
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is bioavailability a common everyday word?
- No. It is mainly used in medicine, pharmacy, nutrition, and science writing.
- What is the difference between bioavailability and absorption?
- Absorption is the process of entering the body. Bioavailability is how much finally becomes usable.
- Can food change bioavailability?
- Yes. Food can increase or reduce how much of a nutrient or drug the body uses.
- Is bioavailability used in IELTS Academic writing?
- Yes. It can appear in health, science, and research topics.