<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
<!--XBRL document created with Toppan Merrill Bridge  11.2.0.5 -->
<!--Based on XBRL 2.1-->
<!--Created on: 3/27/2026 8:26:21 PM-->
<!--Modified on: 3/27/2026 8:26:21 PM-->
<link:linkbase xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance" xsi:schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase http://www.xbrl.org/2003/xbrl-linkbase-2003-12-31.xsd" xmlns:link="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns:xbrli="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance" xmlns:xbrldt="http://xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt">
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#StatementConsolidatedBalanceSheets" roleURI="http://www.bioxceltherapeutics.com/role/StatementConsolidatedBalanceSheets" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#StatementConsolidatedStatementsOfChangesInStockholdersDeficitEquity" roleURI="http://www.bioxceltherapeutics.com/role/StatementConsolidatedStatementsOfChangesInStockholdersDeficitEquity" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#DisclosureStockBasedCompensationTables" roleURI="http://www.bioxceltherapeutics.com/role/DisclosureStockBasedCompensationTables" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#DisclosureSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesDetails" roleURI="http://www.bioxceltherapeutics.com/role/DisclosureSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#DisclosureSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesConcentrationsDetails" roleURI="http://www.bioxceltherapeutics.com/role/DisclosureSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesConcentrationsDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#DisclosureRestructuringDetails" roleURI="http://www.bioxceltherapeutics.com/role/DisclosureRestructuringDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#DisclosurePropertyAndEquipmentNetDetails" roleURI="http://www.bioxceltherapeutics.com/role/DisclosurePropertyAndEquipmentNetDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#DisclosureTransactionsWithBioxcelLlcDetails" roleURI="http://www.bioxceltherapeutics.com/role/DisclosureTransactionsWithBioxcelLlcDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#DisclosureDebtAndCreditFacilitiesDebtSummaryDetails" roleURI="http://www.bioxceltherapeutics.com/role/DisclosureDebtAndCreditFacilitiesDebtSummaryDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#DisclosureDebtAndCreditFacilitiesCreditAgreementDetails" roleURI="http://www.bioxceltherapeutics.com/role/DisclosureDebtAndCreditFacilitiesCreditAgreementDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#DisclosureDebtAndCreditFacilitiesWarrantsDetails" roleURI="http://www.bioxceltherapeutics.com/role/DisclosureDebtAndCreditFacilitiesWarrantsDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#DisclosureDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsDetails" roleURI="http://www.bioxceltherapeutics.com/role/DisclosureDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#DisclosureCommonStockFinancingActivitiesDetails" roleURI="http://www.bioxceltherapeutics.com/role/DisclosureCommonStockFinancingActivitiesDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#DisclosureStockBasedCompensationDescriptionDetails" roleURI="http://www.bioxceltherapeutics.com/role/DisclosureStockBasedCompensationDescriptionDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#DisclosureStockBasedCompensationNonOptionsDetails" roleURI="http://www.bioxceltherapeutics.com/role/DisclosureStockBasedCompensationNonOptionsDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#DisclosureStockBasedCompensationOptionsDetails" roleURI="http://www.bioxceltherapeutics.com/role/DisclosureStockBasedCompensationOptionsDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#DisclosureStockBasedCompensationAssumptionsDetails" roleURI="http://www.bioxceltherapeutics.com/role/DisclosureStockBasedCompensationAssumptionsDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#DisclosureStockBasedCompensationExpenseDetails" roleURI="http://www.bioxceltherapeutics.com/role/DisclosureStockBasedCompensationExpenseDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#DisclosureStockBasedCompensationEsppDetails" roleURI="http://www.bioxceltherapeutics.com/role/DisclosureStockBasedCompensationEsppDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#DisclosureFairValueMeasurementsHierarchyDetails" roleURI="http://www.bioxceltherapeutics.com/role/DisclosureFairValueMeasurementsHierarchyDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#DisclosureFairValueMeasurementsLevel3Details" roleURI="http://www.bioxceltherapeutics.com/role/DisclosureFairValueMeasurementsLevel3Details" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#DisclosureFairValueMeasurementsInputsDetails" roleURI="http://www.bioxceltherapeutics.com/role/DisclosureFairValueMeasurementsInputsDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#DisclosureFairValueMeasurementsWarrantsOutstandingDetails" roleURI="http://www.bioxceltherapeutics.com/role/DisclosureFairValueMeasurementsWarrantsOutstandingDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#DisclosureIncomeTaxesReconciliationDetails" roleURI="http://www.bioxceltherapeutics.com/role/DisclosureIncomeTaxesReconciliationDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#DisclosureNetLossPerShareAntidilutiveDetails" roleURI="http://www.bioxceltherapeutics.com/role/DisclosureNetLossPerShareAntidilutiveDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#DisclosureCommitmentsAndContingenciesDetails" roleURI="http://www.bioxceltherapeutics.com/role/DisclosureCommitmentsAndContingenciesDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#DisclosureSegmentInformationDetails" roleURI="http://www.bioxceltherapeutics.com/role/DisclosureSegmentInformationDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#DisclosureSubsequentEventsDetails" roleURI="http://www.bioxceltherapeutics.com/role/DisclosureSubsequentEventsDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://xbrl.sec.gov/ecd/role/IndividualsOnly" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/ecd/2025/ecd-2025.xsd#IndividualsOnly" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.bioxceltherapeutics.com/role/DisclosureStandardAndCustomAxisDomainDefaults" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#DisclosureStandardAndCustomAxisDomainDefaults" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/eedm/ExtensibleEnumerationLists" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-roles-2025.xsd#eedm" />
  <link:arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://www.esma.europa.eu/xbrl/esef/arcrole/wider-narrower" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/lrr/arcrole/esma-arcrole-2018-11-21.xsd#wider-narrower" />
  <link:arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#all" />
  <link:arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#dimension-domain" />
  <link:arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#domain-member" />
  <link:arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#hypercube-dimension" />
  <link:arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#dimension-default" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/eedm/ExtensibleEnumerationLists" xlink:title="Extensible Enumeration Domain Members">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:title="us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:title="us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesCurrent" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesCurrent" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:title="definition:us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract To us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesCurrent" order="1" priority="0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent" xlink:title="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:title="definition:us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract To us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent" order="2" priority="0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesNoncurrentAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_LiabilitiesNoncurrentAbstract" xlink:title="us-gaap_LiabilitiesNoncurrentAbstract" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilitiesNoncurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilitiesNoncurrent" xlink:title="us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilitiesNoncurrent" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesNoncurrentAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilitiesNoncurrent" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:title="definition:us-gaap_LiabilitiesNoncurrentAbstract To us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilitiesNoncurrent" order="1" priority="0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilitiesNoncurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilitiesNoncurrent_1" xlink:title="us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilitiesNoncurrent_1" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilitiesNoncurrent_1" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:title="definition:us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract To us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilitiesNoncurrent_1" order="3" priority="0" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.bioxceltherapeutics.com/role/DisclosureStandardAndCustomAxisDomainDefaults">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:label="StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:title="StatementEquityComponentsAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="EquityComponentDomain" xlink:title="EquityComponentDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:to="EquityComponentDomain" xlink:title="definition: StatementEquityComponentsAxis to EquityComponentDomain" use="optional" order="1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockAxis" xlink:label="SubsidiarySaleOfStockAxis" xlink:title="SubsidiarySaleOfStockAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain" xlink:label="SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain" xlink:title="SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="SubsidiarySaleOfStockAxis" xlink:to="SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain" xlink:title="definition: SubsidiarySaleOfStockAxis to SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain" use="optional" order="1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2025/elts/srt-2025.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis" xlink:label="ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis" xlink:title="ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2025/elts/srt-2025.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" xlink:label="ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" xlink:title="ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis" xlink:to="ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" xlink:title="definition: ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis to ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" use="optional" order="1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_AcceleratedShareRepurchasesDateAxis" xlink:label="AcceleratedShareRepurchasesDateAxis" xlink:title="AcceleratedShareRepurchasesDateAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_AcceleratedShareRepurchasesDateDomain" xlink:label="AcceleratedShareRepurchasesDateDomain" xlink:title="AcceleratedShareRepurchasesDateDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="AcceleratedShareRepurchasesDateAxis" xlink:to="AcceleratedShareRepurchasesDateDomain" xlink:title="definition: AcceleratedShareRepurchasesDateAxis to AcceleratedShareRepurchasesDateDomain" use="optional" order="1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2025/elts/srt-2025.xsd#srt_RangeAxis" xlink:label="RangeAxis" xlink:title="RangeAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2025/elts/srt-2025.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:label="RangeMember" xlink:title="RangeMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="RangeAxis" xlink:to="RangeMember" xlink:title="definition: RangeAxis to RangeMember" use="optional" order="1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2025/elts/srt-2025.xsd#srt_CounterpartyNameAxis" xlink:label="CounterpartyNameAxis" xlink:title="CounterpartyNameAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2025/elts/srt-2025.xsd#srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" xlink:label="RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" xlink:title="RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="CounterpartyNameAxis" xlink:to="RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" xlink:title="definition: CounterpartyNameAxis to RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" use="optional" order="1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2025/elts/srt-2025.xsd#srt_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:label="StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:title="StatementScenarioAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2025/elts/srt-2025.xsd#srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:title="ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:to="ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:title="definition: StatementScenarioAxis to ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" use="optional" order="1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_GranteeStatusAxis" xlink:label="GranteeStatusAxis" xlink:title="GranteeStatusAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_GranteeStatusDomain" xlink:label="GranteeStatusDomain" xlink:title="GranteeStatusDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="GranteeStatusAxis" xlink:to="GranteeStatusDomain" xlink:title="definition: GranteeStatusAxis to GranteeStatusDomain" use="optional" order="1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameAxis" xlink:label="PlanNameAxis" xlink:title="PlanNameAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameDomain" xlink:label="PlanNameDomain" xlink:title="PlanNameDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="PlanNameAxis" xlink:to="PlanNameDomain" xlink:title="definition: PlanNameAxis to PlanNameDomain" use="optional" order="1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:label="AwardTypeAxis" xlink:title="AwardTypeAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="AwardTypeAxis" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:title="definition: AwardTypeAxis to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" use="optional" order="1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis" xlink:label="IncomeStatementLocationAxis" xlink:title="IncomeStatementLocationAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:label="IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:title="IncomeStatementLocationDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="IncomeStatementLocationAxis" xlink:to="IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:title="definition: IncomeStatementLocationAxis to IncomeStatementLocationDomain" use="optional" order="1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:label="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:title="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:label="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:title="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:to="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:title="definition: PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis to PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" use="optional" order="1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:label="FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:title="FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:label="FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:title="FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:to="FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:title="definition: FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis to FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" use="optional" order="1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis" xlink:label="AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis" xlink:title="AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember" xlink:label="TypeOfAdoptionMember" xlink:title="TypeOfAdoptionMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis" xlink:to="TypeOfAdoptionMember" xlink:title="definition: AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis to TypeOfAdoptionMember" use="optional" order="1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2025/elts/srt-2025.xsd#srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionAxis" xlink:label="CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionAxis" xlink:title="CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2025/elts/srt-2025.xsd#srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionDomain" xlink:label="CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionDomain" xlink:title="CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionAxis" xlink:to="CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionDomain" xlink:title="definition: CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionAxis to CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionDomain" use="optional" order="1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfArrangementAxis" xlink:label="TypeOfArrangementAxis" xlink:title="TypeOfArrangementAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember" xlink:label="ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember" xlink:title="ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="TypeOfArrangementAxis" xlink:to="ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember" xlink:title="definition: TypeOfArrangementAxis to ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember" use="optional" order="1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis" xlink:label="SubsequentEventTypeAxis" xlink:title="SubsequentEventTypeAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" xlink:label="SubsequentEventTypeDomain" xlink:title="SubsequentEventTypeDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="SubsequentEventTypeAxis" xlink:to="SubsequentEventTypeDomain" xlink:title="definition: SubsequentEventTypeAxis to SubsequentEventTypeDomain" use="optional" order="1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis" xlink:label="IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis" xlink:title="IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain" xlink:label="IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain" xlink:title="IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis" xlink:to="IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain" xlink:title="definition: IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis to IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain" use="optional" order="1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:title="DebtInstrumentAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:title="DebtInstrumentNameDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:to="DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:title="definition: DebtInstrumentAxis to DebtInstrumentNameDomain" use="optional" order="1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2025/elts/srt-2025.xsd#srt_TitleOfIndividualAxis" xlink:label="TitleOfIndividualAxis" xlink:title="TitleOfIndividualAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2025/elts/srt-2025.xsd#srt_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain" xlink:label="TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain" xlink:title="TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="TitleOfIndividualAxis" xlink:to="TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain" xlink:title="definition: TitleOfIndividualAxis to TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain" use="optional" order="1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_VestingAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_VestingAxis_1" xlink:title="us-gaap_VestingAxis_1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_VestingDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_VestingDomain_1" xlink:title="us-gaap_VestingDomain_1" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:from="us-gaap_VestingAxis_1" xlink:to="us-gaap_VestingDomain_1" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:title="definition:us-gaap_VestingAxis_1 To us-gaap_VestingDomain_1" order="1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_1" xlink:title="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_1" xlink:title="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_1" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:from="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_1" xlink:to="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_1" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:title="definition:us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_1 To us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_1" order="1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightAxis_1" xlink:title="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightAxis_1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightDomain_1" xlink:title="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightDomain_1" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightAxis_1" xlink:to="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightDomain_1" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:title="definition:us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightAxis_1 To us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightDomain_1" order="1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2025/elts/srt-2025.xsd#srt_ProductOrServiceAxis" xlink:label="srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_1" xlink:title="srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2025/elts/srt-2025.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:label="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_1" xlink:title="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_1" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:from="srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_1" xlink:to="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_1" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:title="definition:srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_1 To srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_1" order="1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2025/elts/srt-2025.xsd#srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis" xlink:label="srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_1" xlink:title="srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2025/elts/srt-2025.xsd#srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain" xlink:label="srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_1" xlink:title="srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_1" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:from="srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_1" xlink:to="srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_1" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:title="definition:srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_1 To srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_1" order="1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_1" xlink:title="us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_1" xlink:title="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_1" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_1" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_1" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:title="definition:us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_1 To us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_1" order="1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis_1" xlink:title="us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis_1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_1" xlink:title="us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_1" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis_1" xlink:to="us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_1" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:title="definition:us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis_1 To us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_1" order="1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_1" xlink:title="us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_1" xlink:title="us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_1" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_1" xlink:to="us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_1" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:title="definition:us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_1 To us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_1" order="1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_MeasurementInputTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_MeasurementInputTypeAxis_1" xlink:title="us-gaap_MeasurementInputTypeAxis_1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_MeasurementInputTypeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_MeasurementInputTypeDomain_1" xlink:title="us-gaap_MeasurementInputTypeDomain_1" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:from="us-gaap_MeasurementInputTypeAxis_1" xlink:to="us-gaap_MeasurementInputTypeDomain_1" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:title="definition:us-gaap_MeasurementInputTypeAxis_1 To us-gaap_MeasurementInputTypeDomain_1" order="1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_AwardDateAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_AwardDateAxis_1" xlink:title="us-gaap_AwardDateAxis_1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_AwardDateDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_AwardDateDomain_1" xlink:title="us-gaap_AwardDateDomain_1" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:from="us-gaap_AwardDateAxis_1" xlink:to="us-gaap_AwardDateDomain_1" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:title="definition:us-gaap_AwardDateAxis_1 To us-gaap_AwardDateDomain_1" order="1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis_1" xlink:title="us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis_1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain_1" xlink:title="us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain_1" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:from="us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis_1" xlink:to="us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain_1" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:title="definition:us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis_1 To us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain_1" order="1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_1" xlink:title="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_1" xlink:title="us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_1" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_1" xlink:to="us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_1" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:title="definition:us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_1 To us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_1" order="1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_1" xlink:title="us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_1" xlink:title="us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_1" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:from="us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_1" xlink:to="us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_1" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:title="definition:us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_1 To us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_1" order="1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis_1" xlink:title="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis_1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain_1" xlink:title="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain_1" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis_1" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain_1" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:title="definition:us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis_1 To us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain_1" order="1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis_1" xlink:title="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis_1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain_1" xlink:title="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain_1" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis_1" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain_1" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:title="definition:us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis_1 To us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain_1" order="1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2025/elts/srt-2025.xsd#srt_MajorCustomersAxis" xlink:label="srt_MajorCustomersAxis_1" xlink:title="srt_MajorCustomersAxis_1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2025/elts/srt-2025.xsd#srt_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain" xlink:label="srt_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain_1" xlink:title="srt_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain_1" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:from="srt_MajorCustomersAxis_1" xlink:to="srt_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain_1" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:title="definition:srt_MajorCustomersAxis_1 To srt_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain_1" order="1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_1" xlink:title="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_SegmentDomain_1" xlink:title="us-gaap_SegmentDomain_1" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_1" xlink:to="us-gaap_SegmentDomain_1" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:title="definition:us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_1 To us-gaap_SegmentDomain_1" order="1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2025/elts/srt-2025.xsd#srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis" xlink:label="srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_1" xlink:title="srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2025/elts/srt-2025.xsd#srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:label="srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_1" xlink:title="srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_1" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:from="srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_1" xlink:to="srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_1" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:title="definition:srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_1 To srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_1" order="1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardAxis_1" xlink:title="us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardAxis_1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardNameDomain_1" xlink:title="us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardNameDomain_1" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:from="us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardAxis_1" xlink:to="us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardNameDomain_1" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:title="definition:us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardAxis_1 To us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardNameDomain_1" order="1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis_1" xlink:title="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis_1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain_1" xlink:title="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain_1" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:from="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis_1" xlink:to="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain_1" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:title="definition:us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis_1 To us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain_1" order="1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_1" xlink:title="us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_1" xlink:title="us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_1" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_1" xlink:to="us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_1" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:title="definition:us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_1 To us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_1" order="1" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://xbrl.sec.gov/ecd/role/IndividualsOnly" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="Individuals">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/ecd/2025/ecd-2025.xsd#ecd_AllIndividualsMember" xlink:label="ecd_AllIndividualsMember" xlink:title="ecd_AllIndividualsMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_VimalMehtaMember" xlink:label="btai_VimalMehtaMember" xlink:title="btai_VimalMehtaMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:from="ecd_AllIndividualsMember" xlink:to="btai_VimalMehtaMember" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:title="definition:ecd_AllIndividualsMember To btai_VimalMehtaMember" order="1" priority="0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_RichardSteinhartMember" xlink:label="btai_RichardSteinhartMember" xlink:title="btai_RichardSteinhartMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:from="ecd_AllIndividualsMember" xlink:to="btai_RichardSteinhartMember" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:title="definition:ecd_AllIndividualsMember To btai_RichardSteinhartMember" order="2" priority="0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_JavierRodriguezMember" xlink:label="btai_JavierRodriguezMember" xlink:title="btai_JavierRodriguezMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:from="ecd_AllIndividualsMember" xlink:to="btai_JavierRodriguezMember" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:title="definition:ecd_AllIndividualsMember To btai_JavierRodriguezMember" order="3" priority="0" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_FrankYoccaMember" xlink:label="btai_FrankYoccaMember" xlink:title="btai_FrankYoccaMember" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:from="ecd_AllIndividualsMember" xlink:to="btai_FrankYoccaMember" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:title="definition:ecd_AllIndividualsMember To btai_FrankYoccaMember" order="4" priority="0" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.bioxceltherapeutics.com/role/StatementConsolidatedBalanceSheets" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="995200100 - Statement - Consolidated Balance Sheets" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementTable" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_RelatedPartyMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_RelatedPartyMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_NonrelatedPartyMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_NonrelatedPartyMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_NonrelatedPartyMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_AssetsAbstract" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_AssetsAbstract" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedCashCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_RestrictedCashCurrent" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_RestrictedCashCurrent" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ReceivablesNetCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_ReceivablesNetCurrent" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ReceivablesNetCurrent" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_InventoryNet" xlink:label="us-gaap_InventoryNet" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_InventoryNet" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_PrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssetsCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_PrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssetsCurrent" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_PrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssetsCurrent" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_OtherAssetsCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherAssetsCurrent" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="6" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherAssetsCurrent" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_AssetsCurrent" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="7" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_AssetsCurrent" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_Assets" xlink:label="us-gaap_Assets" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_Assets" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsPayableCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccountsPayableCurrent" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccountsPayableCurrent" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesCurrent" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesCurrent" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongTermDebtCurrent" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongTermDebtCurrent" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesCurrent" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesCurrent" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilitiesNoncurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilitiesNoncurrent" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilitiesNoncurrent" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_Liabilities" xlink:label="us-gaap_Liabilities" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_Liabilities" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingencies" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingencies" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="6" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingencies" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="7" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_PreferredStockValue" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_PreferredStockValue" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonStockValue" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommonStockValue" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapital" xlink:label="us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapital" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapital" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit" xlink:label="us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquity" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockholdersEquity" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockholdersEquity" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity" xlink:label="us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="6" xlink:from="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity" priority="1" use="optional" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.bioxceltherapeutics.com/role/StatementConsolidatedStatementsOfChangesInStockholdersDeficitEquity" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="995200300 - Statement - Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' (Deficit) Equity" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementTable" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonStockMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommonStockMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquity" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockholdersEquity" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockholdersEquity" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssues" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssues" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssues" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssues" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_WarrantDownRoundFeatureIncreaseDecreaseInEquityAmount1" xlink:label="us-gaap_WarrantDownRoundFeatureIncreaseDecreaseInEquityAmount1" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="6" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_WarrantDownRoundFeatureIncreaseDecreaseInEquityAmount1" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalWarrantIssued" xlink:label="us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalWarrantIssued" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="7" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalWarrantIssued" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalPreFundedWarrantIssued" xlink:label="btai_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalPreFundedWarrantIssued" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="8" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="btai_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalPreFundedWarrantIssued" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedStockValueSharesIssuedNetOfTaxWithholdings" xlink:label="us-gaap_RestrictedStockValueSharesIssuedNetOfTaxWithholdings" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="9" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_RestrictedStockValueSharesIssuedNetOfTaxWithholdings" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedStockSharesIssuedNetOfSharesForTaxWithholdings" xlink:label="us-gaap_RestrictedStockSharesIssuedNetOfSharesForTaxWithholdings" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_RestrictedStockValueSharesIssuedNetOfTaxWithholdings" xlink:to="us-gaap_RestrictedStockSharesIssuedNetOfSharesForTaxWithholdings" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="10" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" priority="1" use="optional" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.bioxceltherapeutics.com/role/DisclosureStockBasedCompensationTables" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="99931203 - Disclosure - Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_PerformanceSharesMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_PerformanceSharesMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_PerformanceSharesMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_RestrictedStockUnitsOnkosxcelMember" xlink:label="btai_RestrictedStockUnitsOnkosxcelMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:to="btai_RestrictedStockUnitsOnkosxcelMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_TimeBasedProfitSharingUnitsMember" xlink:label="btai_TimeBasedProfitSharingUnitsMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:to="btai_TimeBasedProfitSharingUnitsMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationRestrictedStockUnitsAwardActivityTableTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationRestrictedStockUnitsAwardActivityTableTextBlock" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationRestrictedStockUnitsAwardActivityTableTextBlock" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardPerformanceBasedUnitsVestedAndExpectedToVestTableTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardPerformanceBasedUnitsVestedAndExpectedToVestTableTextBlock" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardPerformanceBasedUnitsVestedAndExpectedToVestTableTextBlock" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationStockOptionsActivityTableTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationStockOptionsActivityTableTextBlock" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationStockOptionsActivityTableTextBlock" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedPaymentAwardStockOptionsValuationAssumptionsTableTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedPaymentAwardStockOptionsValuationAssumptionsTableTextBlock" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedPaymentAwardStockOptionsValuationAssumptionsTableTextBlock" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAllocationOfRecognizedPeriodCostsTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfEmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAllocationOfRecognizedPeriodCostsTextBlock" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="6" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfEmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAllocationOfRecognizedPeriodCostsTextBlock" priority="1" use="optional" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.bioxceltherapeutics.com/role/DisclosureSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="99940301 - Disclosure - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_EquipmentMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_EquipmentMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_EquipmentMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_FurnitureAndFixturesMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_FurnitureAndFixturesMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_FurnitureAndFixturesMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_LeaseholdImprovementsMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_LeaseholdImprovementsMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_LeaseholdImprovementsMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2025/elts/srt-2025.xsd#srt_RangeAxis" xlink:label="srt_RangeAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable" xlink:to="srt_RangeAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2025/elts/srt-2025.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:label="srt_RangeMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="srt_RangeAxis" xlink:to="srt_RangeMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2025/elts/srt-2025.xsd#srt_MinimumMember" xlink:label="srt_MinimumMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember" xlink:to="srt_MinimumMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2025/elts/srt-2025.xsd#srt_MaximumMember" xlink:label="srt_MaximumMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember" xlink:to="srt_MaximumMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteStockSplitConversionRatio1" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteStockSplitConversionRatio1" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteStockSplitConversionRatio1" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_AccountsReceivablePaymentTerm" xlink:label="btai_AccountsReceivablePaymentTerm" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems" xlink:to="btai_AccountsReceivablePaymentTerm" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentUsefulLife" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentUsefulLife" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentUsefulLife" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentUsefulLifeDescriptionOfTermExtensibleEnumeration" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentUsefulLifeDescriptionOfTermExtensibleEnumeration" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentUsefulLifeDescriptionOfTermExtensibleEnumeration" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_NumberOfOperatingSegments" xlink:label="us-gaap_NumberOfOperatingSegments" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="6" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_NumberOfOperatingSegments" priority="1" use="optional" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.bioxceltherapeutics.com/role/DisclosureSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesConcentrationsDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="99940302 - Disclosure - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Concentrations (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTable" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerProductAndServiceBenchmarkMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerProductAndServiceBenchmarkMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerProductAndServiceBenchmarkMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_CustomerConcentrationRiskMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_CustomerConcentrationRiskMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_CustomerConcentrationRiskMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2025/elts/srt-2025.xsd#srt_MajorCustomersAxis" xlink:label="srt_MajorCustomersAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTable" xlink:to="srt_MajorCustomersAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2025/elts/srt-2025.xsd#srt_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain" xlink:label="srt_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="srt_MajorCustomersAxis" xlink:to="srt_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_CustomerOneMember" xlink:label="btai_CustomerOneMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="srt_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain" xlink:to="btai_CustomerOneMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskLineItems" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskPercentage1" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskPercentage1" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskPercentage1" priority="1" use="optional" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.bioxceltherapeutics.com/role/DisclosureRestructuringDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="99940401 - Disclosure - Restructuring (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestructuringAndRelatedCostsTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestructuringAndRelatedCostsTable" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestructuringAndRelatedCostsTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveLineItems" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestructuringAndRelatedCostsTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostNumberOfPositionsEliminatedPeriodPercent" xlink:label="us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostNumberOfPositionsEliminatedPeriodPercent" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostNumberOfPositionsEliminatedPeriodPercent" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsForRestructuring" xlink:label="us-gaap_PaymentsForRestructuring" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_PaymentsForRestructuring" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_RetentionBonusExpense" xlink:label="btai_RetentionBonusExpense" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveLineItems" xlink:to="btai_RetentionBonusExpense" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_NumberOfInstallmentsForPaymentOfRetentionBonus" xlink:label="btai_NumberOfInstallmentsForPaymentOfRetentionBonus" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveLineItems" xlink:to="btai_NumberOfInstallmentsForPaymentOfRetentionBonus" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="6" xlink:from="us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="7" xlink:from="us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1" priority="1" use="optional" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.bioxceltherapeutics.com/role/DisclosurePropertyAndEquipmentNetDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="99940601 - Disclosure - Property and Equipment, net (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ComputerEquipmentMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_ComputerEquipmentMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_ComputerEquipmentMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_FurnitureAndFixturesMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_FurnitureAndFixturesMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_FurnitureAndFixturesMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_LeaseholdImprovementsMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_LeaseholdImprovementsMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_LeaseholdImprovementsMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipment" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipment" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipment" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_Depreciation" xlink:label="us-gaap_Depreciation" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_Depreciation" priority="1" use="optional" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.bioxceltherapeutics.com/role/DisclosureTransactionsWithBioxcelLlcDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="99940801 - Disclosure - Transactions with BioXcel LLC (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_RelatedPartyMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_RelatedPartyMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2025/elts/srt-2025.xsd#srt_CounterpartyNameAxis" xlink:label="srt_CounterpartyNameAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable" xlink:to="srt_CounterpartyNameAxis" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2025/elts/srt-2025.xsd#srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" xlink:label="srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="srt_CounterpartyNameAxis" xlink:to="srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_BioxcelCorporationMember" xlink:label="btai_BioxcelCorporationMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" xlink:to="btai_BioxcelCorporationMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfArrangementAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_TypeOfArrangementAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_TypeOfArrangementAxis" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_TypeOfArrangementAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_CollaborativeArrangementMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_CollaborativeArrangementMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember" xlink:to="us-gaap_CollaborativeArrangementMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_DevelopmentMilestonesMember" xlink:label="btai_DevelopmentMilestonesMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_CollaborativeArrangementMember" xlink:to="btai_DevelopmentMilestonesMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_SalesMilestonesMember" xlink:label="btai_SalesMilestonesMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_CollaborativeArrangementMember" xlink:to="btai_SalesMilestonesMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_AdditionalFeesPerMonthToEnterIntoCollaborativeServiceAgreement" xlink:label="btai_AdditionalFeesPerMonthToEnterIntoCollaborativeServiceAgreement" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:to="btai_AdditionalFeesPerMonthToEnterIntoCollaborativeServiceAgreement" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_CollaborativeArrangementMilestonePaymentsPotential" xlink:label="btai_CollaborativeArrangementMilestonePaymentsPotential" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:to="btai_CollaborativeArrangementMilestonePaymentsPotential" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_CollaborativeArrangementMilestonePotentialPercent" xlink:label="btai_CollaborativeArrangementMilestonePotentialPercent" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:to="btai_CollaborativeArrangementMilestonePotentialPercent" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentExpense" xlink:label="us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentExpense" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentExpense" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense" xlink:label="us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="6" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses" xlink:label="us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="7" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesCurrent" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="8" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesCurrent" priority="1" use="optional" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.bioxceltherapeutics.com/role/DisclosureDebtAndCreditFacilitiesDebtSummaryDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="99940901 - Disclosure - Debt and Credit Facilities - Debt summary (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_OfaAdministrativeAgentMember" xlink:label="btai_OfaAdministrativeAgentMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="btai_OfaAdministrativeAgentMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_CreditFacilityMember" xlink:label="btai_CreditFacilityMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="btai_OfaAdministrativeAgentMember" xlink:to="btai_CreditFacilityMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentIncreaseAccruedInterest" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentIncreaseAccruedInterest" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentIncreaseAccruedInterest" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscountPremiumAndDebtIssuanceCostsNet" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscountPremiumAndDebtIssuanceCostsNet" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscountPremiumAndDebtIssuanceCostsNet" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebt" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongTermDebt" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongTermDebt" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongTermDebtCurrent" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="6" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongTermDebtCurrent" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="7" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent" priority="1" use="optional" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.bioxceltherapeutics.com/role/DisclosureDebtAndCreditFacilitiesCreditAgreementDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="99940902 - Disclosure - Debt and Credit Facilities - Credit Agreement (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_OfaAdministrativeAgentMember" xlink:label="btai_OfaAdministrativeAgentMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="btai_OfaAdministrativeAgentMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_CreditFacilityMember" xlink:label="btai_CreditFacilityMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="btai_OfaAdministrativeAgentMember" xlink:to="btai_CreditFacilityMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2025/elts/srt-2025.xsd#srt_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:label="srt_StatementScenarioAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable" xlink:to="srt_StatementScenarioAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2025/elts/srt-2025.xsd#srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="srt_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:to="srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_TrancheMember" xlink:label="btai_TrancheMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:to="btai_TrancheMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_TrancheTwoMember" xlink:label="btai_TrancheTwoMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:to="btai_TrancheTwoMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_TrancheBMember" xlink:label="btai_TrancheBMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:to="btai_TrancheBMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_TrancheCMember" xlink:label="btai_TrancheCMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:to="btai_TrancheCMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_TrancheDMember" xlink:label="btai_TrancheDMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:to="btai_TrancheDMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_FromAndAfterFundingOfTrancheBLoansMember" xlink:label="btai_FromAndAfterFundingOfTrancheBLoansMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="6" xlink:from="srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:to="btai_FromAndAfterFundingOfTrancheBLoansMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_FromAndAfterSatisfactionOfFundingConditionsForTrancheCLoansMember" xlink:label="btai_FromAndAfterSatisfactionOfFundingConditionsForTrancheCLoansMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="7" xlink:from="srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:to="btai_FromAndAfterSatisfactionOfFundingConditionsForTrancheCLoansMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_PeriodOneMember" xlink:label="btai_PeriodOneMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="8" xlink:from="srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:to="btai_PeriodOneMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_PeriodTwoMember" xlink:label="btai_PeriodTwoMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="9" xlink:from="srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:to="btai_PeriodTwoMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_PeriodThreeMember" xlink:label="btai_PeriodThreeMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="10" xlink:from="srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:to="btai_PeriodThreeMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2025/elts/srt-2025.xsd#srt_RangeAxis" xlink:label="srt_RangeAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable" xlink:to="srt_RangeAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2025/elts/srt-2025.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:label="srt_RangeMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="srt_RangeAxis" xlink:to="srt_RangeMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2025/elts/srt-2025.xsd#srt_MinimumMember" xlink:label="srt_MinimumMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember" xlink:to="srt_MinimumMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2025/elts/srt-2025.xsd#srt_MaximumMember" xlink:label="srt_MaximumMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember" xlink:to="srt_MaximumMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity" xlink:label="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_LineOfCreditFacilityInvestmentAllowed" xlink:label="btai_LineOfCreditFacilityInvestmentAllowed" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems" xlink:to="btai_LineOfCreditFacilityInvestmentAllowed" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFeeAmount" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFeeAmount" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFeeAmount" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_LineOfCreditFacilityAmendmentFeePercentage" xlink:label="btai_LineOfCreditFacilityAmendmentFeePercentage" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems" xlink:to="btai_LineOfCreditFacilityAmendmentFeePercentage" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_LineOfCreditFacilityExitFeePercentage" xlink:label="btai_LineOfCreditFacilityExitFeePercentage" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="6" xlink:from="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems" xlink:to="btai_LineOfCreditFacilityExitFeePercentage" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="7" xlink:from="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="8" xlink:from="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityRemainingBorrowingCapacity" xlink:label="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityRemainingBorrowingCapacity" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="9" xlink:from="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityRemainingBorrowingCapacity" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateEffectivePercentage" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateEffectivePercentage" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="10" xlink:from="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateEffectivePercentage" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_DebtInstrumentInterestRateDiscountRatePercentage" xlink:label="btai_DebtInstrumentInterestRateDiscountRatePercentage" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="11" xlink:from="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems" xlink:to="btai_DebtInstrumentInterestRateDiscountRatePercentage" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="12" xlink:from="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentVariableInterestRateTypeExtensibleEnumeration" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentVariableInterestRateTypeExtensibleEnumeration" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentVariableInterestRateTypeExtensibleEnumeration" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_DebtInstrumentIncrementalOnVariableRatePercent" xlink:label="btai_DebtInstrumentIncrementalOnVariableRatePercent" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="13" xlink:from="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems" xlink:to="btai_DebtInstrumentIncrementalOnVariableRatePercent" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_PaidInKindInterestPercentage" xlink:label="btai_PaidInKindInterestPercentage" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="14" xlink:from="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems" xlink:to="btai_PaidInKindInterestPercentage" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_TickingFeesPercentage" xlink:label="btai_TickingFeesPercentage" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="15" xlink:from="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems" xlink:to="btai_TickingFeesPercentage" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_NetCashRequiredMinimum" xlink:label="btai_NetCashRequiredMinimum" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="16" xlink:from="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems" xlink:to="btai_NetCashRequiredMinimum" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_DebtInstrumentFinancialCovenantMinimumLiquidityRequirement" xlink:label="btai_DebtInstrumentFinancialCovenantMinimumLiquidityRequirement" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="17" xlink:from="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems" xlink:to="btai_DebtInstrumentFinancialCovenantMinimumLiquidityRequirement" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_PercentageOfOutstandingLoan" xlink:label="btai_PercentageOfOutstandingLoan" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="18" xlink:from="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems" xlink:to="btai_PercentageOfOutstandingLoan" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_RevenueCurePaymentMinimum" xlink:label="btai_RevenueCurePaymentMinimum" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="19" xlink:from="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems" xlink:to="btai_RevenueCurePaymentMinimum" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_SubsidiaryOwnershipPercentage" xlink:label="btai_SubsidiaryOwnershipPercentage" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="20" xlink:from="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems" xlink:to="btai_SubsidiaryOwnershipPercentage" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_MinimumGrossProceedsFromIssuanceOfCommonStockWarrantsAndOrPreFundedWarrantsForDebt" xlink:label="btai_MinimumGrossProceedsFromIssuanceOfCommonStockWarrantsAndOrPreFundedWarrantsForDebt" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="21" xlink:from="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems" xlink:to="btai_MinimumGrossProceedsFromIssuanceOfCommonStockWarrantsAndOrPreFundedWarrantsForDebt" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOrSaleOfEquity" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOrSaleOfEquity" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="22" xlink:from="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOrSaleOfEquity" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt" xlink:label="us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="23" xlink:from="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="24" xlink:from="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_DebtInstrumentQuarterlyAmortizationPaymentsAsPercentageOfPrincipalAmountFunded" xlink:label="btai_DebtInstrumentQuarterlyAmortizationPaymentsAsPercentageOfPrincipalAmountFunded" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="25" xlink:from="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems" xlink:to="btai_DebtInstrumentQuarterlyAmortizationPaymentsAsPercentageOfPrincipalAmountFunded" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_MaximumPercentageOfBudgetedAmountForDisbursementsInApplicablePeriod" xlink:label="btai_MaximumPercentageOfBudgetedAmountForDisbursementsInApplicablePeriod" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="26" xlink:from="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems" xlink:to="btai_MaximumPercentageOfBudgetedAmountForDisbursementsInApplicablePeriod" priority="1" use="optional" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.bioxceltherapeutics.com/role/DisclosureDebtAndCreditFacilitiesWarrantsDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="99940903 - Disclosure - Debt and Credit Facilities - Warrants (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_WarrantOaktreeAndQiaMember" xlink:label="btai_WarrantOaktreeAndQiaMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightDomain" xlink:to="btai_WarrantOaktreeAndQiaMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_NewWarrantsMember" xlink:label="btai_NewWarrantsMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightDomain" xlink:to="btai_NewWarrantsMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_OriginalWarrantsMember" xlink:label="btai_OriginalWarrantsMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightDomain" xlink:to="btai_OriginalWarrantsMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_Warrants2023Member" xlink:label="btai_Warrants2023Member" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightDomain" xlink:to="btai_Warrants2023Member" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_WarrantShares2024Member" xlink:label="btai_WarrantShares2024Member" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightDomain" xlink:to="btai_WarrantShares2024Member" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_OnkosxcelWarrantMember" xlink:label="btai_OnkosxcelWarrantMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="6" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightDomain" xlink:to="btai_OnkosxcelWarrantMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_OfaAdministrativeAgentMember" xlink:label="btai_OfaAdministrativeAgentMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="btai_OfaAdministrativeAgentMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_CreditFacilityMember" xlink:label="btai_CreditFacilityMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="btai_OfaAdministrativeAgentMember" xlink:to="btai_CreditFacilityMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2025/elts/srt-2025.xsd#srt_RangeAxis" xlink:label="srt_RangeAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable" xlink:to="srt_RangeAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2025/elts/srt-2025.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:label="srt_RangeMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="srt_RangeAxis" xlink:to="srt_RangeMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2025/elts/srt-2025.xsd#srt_MaximumMember" xlink:label="srt_MaximumMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember" xlink:to="srt_MaximumMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightNumberOfSecuritiesCalledByWarrantsOrRights" xlink:label="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightNumberOfSecuritiesCalledByWarrantsOrRights" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightNumberOfSecuritiesCalledByWarrantsOrRights" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightExercisePriceOfWarrantsOrRights1" xlink:label="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightExercisePriceOfWarrantsOrRights1" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightExercisePriceOfWarrantsOrRights1" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_RightToPurchaseStockLenders" xlink:label="btai_RightToPurchaseStockLenders" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems" xlink:to="btai_RightToPurchaseStockLenders" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_PremiumSharePricePercent" xlink:label="btai_PremiumSharePricePercent" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems" xlink:to="btai_PremiumSharePricePercent" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightNumberOfSecuritiesCalledByEachWarrantOrRight" xlink:label="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightNumberOfSecuritiesCalledByEachWarrantOrRight" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="6" xlink:from="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightNumberOfSecuritiesCalledByEachWarrantOrRight" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_ThresholdLiquidityEventAmountForExerciseOfWarrants" xlink:label="btai_ThresholdLiquidityEventAmountForExerciseOfWarrants" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="7" xlink:from="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems" xlink:to="btai_ThresholdLiquidityEventAmountForExerciseOfWarrants" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_PercentageOfFairValueConsiderationToBePaid" xlink:label="btai_PercentageOfFairValueConsiderationToBePaid" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="8" xlink:from="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems" xlink:to="btai_PercentageOfFairValueConsiderationToBePaid" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_PercentageOfValuationApplicableToInitialProfits" xlink:label="btai_PercentageOfValuationApplicableToInitialProfits" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="9" xlink:from="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems" xlink:to="btai_PercentageOfValuationApplicableToInitialProfits" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesWarrantsExercised" xlink:label="btai_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesWarrantsExercised" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="10" xlink:from="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems" xlink:to="btai_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesWarrantsExercised" priority="1" use="optional" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.bioxceltherapeutics.com/role/DisclosureDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="99941001 - Disclosure - Derivative Financial Instruments (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightTable" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_EquityInvestmentMember" xlink:label="btai_EquityInvestmentMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightDomain" xlink:to="btai_EquityInvestmentMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_Warrants2024AccompanyingWarrantsMember" xlink:label="btai_Warrants2024AccompanyingWarrantsMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightDomain" xlink:to="btai_Warrants2024AccompanyingWarrantsMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_Warrants2024AccompanyingWarrantsStrikePriceAmendedMember" xlink:label="btai_Warrants2024AccompanyingWarrantsStrikePriceAmendedMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="btai_Warrants2024AccompanyingWarrantsMember" xlink:to="btai_Warrants2024AccompanyingWarrantsStrikePriceAmendedMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_Warrants2025AccompanyingWarrantsMember" xlink:label="btai_Warrants2025AccompanyingWarrantsMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightDomain" xlink:to="btai_Warrants2025AccompanyingWarrantsMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_November2024AccompanyingWarrantsMember" xlink:label="btai_November2024AccompanyingWarrantsMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightDomain" xlink:to="btai_November2024AccompanyingWarrantsMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_OptionWarrantsMarch2025Member" xlink:label="btai_OptionWarrantsMarch2025Member" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightDomain" xlink:to="btai_OptionWarrantsMarch2025Member" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightLineItems" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInDerivativeLiabilities" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInDerivativeLiabilities" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInDerivativeLiabilities" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightOutstanding" xlink:label="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightOutstanding" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightOutstanding" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightExercisePriceOfWarrantsOrRights1" xlink:label="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightExercisePriceOfWarrantsOrRights1" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightExercisePriceOfWarrantsOrRights1" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAdjustmentOfWarrants" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueAdjustmentOfWarrants" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueAdjustmentOfWarrants" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnDerivativeInstrumentsNetPretax" xlink:label="us-gaap_GainLossOnDerivativeInstrumentsNetPretax" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="6" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_GainLossOnDerivativeInstrumentsNetPretax" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilitiesNoncurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilitiesNoncurrent" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="7" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilitiesNoncurrent" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesWarrantsExercised" xlink:label="btai_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesWarrantsExercised" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="8" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightLineItems" xlink:to="btai_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesWarrantsExercised" priority="1" use="optional" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.bioxceltherapeutics.com/role/DisclosureCommonStockFinancingActivitiesDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="99941101 - Disclosure - Common Stock Financing Activities (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_SubsidiaryOrEquityMethodInvesteeSaleOfStockBySubsidiaryOrEquityInvesteeTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_SubsidiaryOrEquityMethodInvesteeSaleOfStockBySubsidiaryOrEquityInvesteeTable" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsidiaryOrEquityMethodInvesteeSaleOfStockBySubsidiaryOrEquityInvesteeTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockAxis" priority="3" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_JefferiesMember" xlink:label="btai_JefferiesMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain" xlink:to="btai_JefferiesMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_RegisteredDirectOfferingMember" xlink:label="btai_RegisteredDirectOfferingMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain" xlink:to="btai_RegisteredDirectOfferingMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_RegisteredOfferingMember" xlink:label="btai_RegisteredOfferingMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain" xlink:to="btai_RegisteredOfferingMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_March2025OfferingMember" xlink:label="btai_March2025OfferingMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain" xlink:to="btai_March2025OfferingMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_AtMarketOfferingMember" xlink:label="btai_AtMarketOfferingMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain" xlink:to="btai_AtMarketOfferingMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_EquityDistributionAgreementIncreasedMaximumMember" xlink:label="btai_EquityDistributionAgreementIncreasedMaximumMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="6" xlink:from="us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain" xlink:to="btai_EquityDistributionAgreementIncreasedMaximumMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_EquityDistributionAgreementPursuantToFiledProspectusMember" xlink:label="btai_EquityDistributionAgreementPursuantToFiledProspectusMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="7" xlink:from="us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain" xlink:to="btai_EquityDistributionAgreementPursuantToFiledProspectusMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsidiaryOrEquityMethodInvesteeSaleOfStockBySubsidiaryOrEquityInvesteeTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_March2024AccompanyingWarrantsMember" xlink:label="btai_March2024AccompanyingWarrantsMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightDomain" xlink:to="btai_March2024AccompanyingWarrantsMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_March2024PreFundedWarrantsMember" xlink:label="btai_March2024PreFundedWarrantsMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightDomain" xlink:to="btai_March2024PreFundedWarrantsMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_November2024AccompanyingWarrantsMember" xlink:label="btai_November2024AccompanyingWarrantsMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightDomain" xlink:to="btai_November2024AccompanyingWarrantsMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_November2024PrefundedAccompanyingWarrantsMember" xlink:label="btai_November2024PrefundedAccompanyingWarrantsMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightDomain" xlink:to="btai_November2024PrefundedAccompanyingWarrantsMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_March2025AccompanyingWarrantsMember" xlink:label="btai_March2025AccompanyingWarrantsMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightDomain" xlink:to="btai_March2025AccompanyingWarrantsMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_March2025PrefundedWarrantsMember" xlink:label="btai_March2025PrefundedWarrantsMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="6" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightDomain" xlink:to="btai_March2025PrefundedWarrantsMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_OptionWarrantsMarch2025Member" xlink:label="btai_OptionWarrantsMarch2025Member" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="7" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightDomain" xlink:to="btai_OptionWarrantsMarch2025Member" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2025/elts/srt-2025.xsd#srt_RangeAxis" xlink:label="srt_RangeAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsidiaryOrEquityMethodInvesteeSaleOfStockBySubsidiaryOrEquityInvesteeTable" xlink:to="srt_RangeAxis" priority="3" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2025/elts/srt-2025.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:label="srt_RangeMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="srt_RangeAxis" xlink:to="srt_RangeMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2025/elts/srt-2025.xsd#srt_MaximumMember" xlink:label="srt_MaximumMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember" xlink:to="srt_MaximumMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2025/elts/srt-2025.xsd#srt_CounterpartyNameAxis" xlink:label="srt_CounterpartyNameAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsidiaryOrEquityMethodInvesteeSaleOfStockBySubsidiaryOrEquityInvesteeTable" xlink:to="srt_CounterpartyNameAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2025/elts/srt-2025.xsd#srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" xlink:label="srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="srt_CounterpartyNameAxis" xlink:to="srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_CanaccordGenuityLlcMember" xlink:label="btai_CanaccordGenuityLlcMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" xlink:to="btai_CanaccordGenuityLlcMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockLineItems" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_SubsidiaryOrEquityMethodInvesteeSaleOfStockBySubsidiaryOrEquityInvesteeTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_SaleOfStockMaximumValueSharesToBeIssued" xlink:label="btai_SaleOfStockMaximumValueSharesToBeIssued" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockLineItems" xlink:to="btai_SaleOfStockMaximumValueSharesToBeIssued" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfCommonStock" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfCommonStock" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfCommonStock" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_SaleOfStockConsiderationReceivedOnTransaction" xlink:label="us-gaap_SaleOfStockConsiderationReceivedOnTransaction" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_SaleOfStockConsiderationReceivedOnTransaction" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsOfStockIssuanceCosts" xlink:label="us-gaap_PaymentsOfStockIssuanceCosts" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="6" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_PaymentsOfStockIssuanceCosts" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightNumberOfSecuritiesCalledByWarrantsOrRights" xlink:label="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightNumberOfSecuritiesCalledByWarrantsOrRights" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="7" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightNumberOfSecuritiesCalledByWarrantsOrRights" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_SharesIssuedPricePerShare" xlink:label="us-gaap_SharesIssuedPricePerShare" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="8" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_SharesIssuedPricePerShare" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightExercisePriceOfWarrantsOrRights1" xlink:label="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightExercisePriceOfWarrantsOrRights1" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="9" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightExercisePriceOfWarrantsOrRights1" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOrSaleOfEquity" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOrSaleOfEquity" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="10" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOrSaleOfEquity" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesWarrantsExercised" xlink:label="btai_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesWarrantsExercised" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="11" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockLineItems" xlink:to="btai_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesWarrantsExercised" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfWarrants" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfWarrants" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="12" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfWarrants" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_ClassOfWarrantOrRightOfferingPriceOfWarrantsOrRights" xlink:label="btai_ClassOfWarrantOrRightOfferingPriceOfWarrantsOrRights" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="13" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockLineItems" xlink:to="btai_ClassOfWarrantOrRightOfferingPriceOfWarrantsOrRights" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightOutstanding" xlink:label="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightOutstanding" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="14" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightOutstanding" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="15" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare" priority="1" use="optional" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.bioxceltherapeutics.com/role/DisclosureStockBasedCompensationDescriptionDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="99941201 - Disclosure - Stock-Based Compensation - Description (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_PlanNameAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_PlanNameAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_PlanNameDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_PlanNameAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_PlanNameDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_IncentiveAwardPlan2020Member" xlink:label="btai_IncentiveAwardPlan2020Member" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_PlanNameDomain" xlink:to="btai_IncentiveAwardPlan2020Member" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_StockPlan2017Member" xlink:label="btai_StockPlan2017Member" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_PlanNameDomain" xlink:to="btai_StockPlan2017Member" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_VestingAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_VestingAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_VestingAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_VestingDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_VestingDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_VestingAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_VestingDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_RestrictedStockUnitsVesting25PercentAtOneYearAndRemainingIn12QuartersMember" xlink:label="btai_RestrictedStockUnitsVesting25PercentAtOneYearAndRemainingIn12QuartersMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_VestingDomain" xlink:to="btai_RestrictedStockUnitsVesting25PercentAtOneYearAndRemainingIn12QuartersMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAuthorized" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAuthorized" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAuthorized" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAvailableForGrant" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAvailableForGrant" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAvailableForGrant" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardPercentageOfIncreaseInCommonStockAvailableForGrant" xlink:label="btai_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardPercentageOfIncreaseInCommonStockAvailableForGrant" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="btai_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardPercentageOfIncreaseInCommonStockAvailableForGrant" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfAdditionalSharesAuthorized" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfAdditionalSharesAuthorized" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfAdditionalSharesAuthorized" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardExpirationPeriod" xlink:label="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardExpirationPeriod" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="6" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardExpirationPeriod" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="7" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="8" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber" priority="1" use="optional" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.bioxceltherapeutics.com/role/DisclosureStockBasedCompensationNonOptionsDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="99941202 - Disclosure - Stock-Based Compensation - Non-options (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_PerformanceSharesMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_PerformanceSharesMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_PerformanceSharesMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_TimeBasedProfitSharingUnitsMember" xlink:label="btai_TimeBasedProfitSharingUnitsMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:to="btai_TimeBasedProfitSharingUnitsMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_RestrictedStockUnitsOnkosxcelMember" xlink:label="btai_RestrictedStockUnitsOnkosxcelMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:to="btai_RestrictedStockUnitsOnkosxcelMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_GranteeStatusAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_GranteeStatusAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_GranteeStatusAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_GranteeStatusDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_GranteeStatusDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_GranteeStatusAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_GranteeStatusDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedPaymentArrangementEmployeeMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedPaymentArrangementEmployeeMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_GranteeStatusDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedPaymentArrangementEmployeeMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2025/elts/srt-2025.xsd#srt_ExecutiveOfficerMember" xlink:label="srt_ExecutiveOfficerMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_GranteeStatusDomain" xlink:to="srt_ExecutiveOfficerMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_VestingAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_VestingAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_VestingAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_VestingDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_VestingDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_VestingAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_VestingDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_RestrictedStockUnitsVesting25PercentAtOneYearAndRemainingIn12QuartersMember" xlink:label="btai_RestrictedStockUnitsVesting25PercentAtOneYearAndRemainingIn12QuartersMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_VestingDomain" xlink:to="btai_RestrictedStockUnitsVesting25PercentAtOneYearAndRemainingIn12QuartersMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsCancelledInPeriod" xlink:label="btai_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsCancelledInPeriod" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward" xlink:to="btai_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsCancelledInPeriod" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestOutstandingNumber" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestOutstandingNumber" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="6" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestOutstandingNumber" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsCancelledWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="btai_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsCancelledWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward" xlink:to="btai_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsCancelledWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingRightsPercentage" xlink:label="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingRightsPercentage" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingRightsPercentage" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedShareBasedAwardsOtherThanOptions" xlink:label="us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedShareBasedAwardsOtherThanOptions" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="6" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedShareBasedAwardsOtherThanOptions" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense" xlink:label="us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="7" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodTotalFairValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodTotalFairValue" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="8" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodTotalFairValue" priority="1" use="optional" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.bioxceltherapeutics.com/role/DisclosureStockBasedCompensationOptionsDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="99941203 - Disclosure - Stock-Based Compensation - Options (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodGross" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodGross" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodGross" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresInPeriod" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresInPeriod" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresInPeriod" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsCancelledInPeriod" xlink:label="btai_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsCancelledInPeriod" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward" xlink:to="btai_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsCancelledInPeriod" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableNumber" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableNumber" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableNumber" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePriceRollforward" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePriceRollforward" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePriceRollforward" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePriceRollforward" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePriceRollforward" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePriceRollforward" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsCancelledInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:label="btai_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsCancelledInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePriceRollforward" xlink:to="btai_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsCancelledInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableWeightedAverageExercisePrice" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePriceRollforward" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableWeightedAverageExercisePrice" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingIntrinsicValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingIntrinsicValue" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingIntrinsicValue" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodTotalIntrinsicValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodTotalIntrinsicValue" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodTotalIntrinsicValue" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableIntrinsicValue1" xlink:label="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableIntrinsicValue1" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableIntrinsicValue1" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm1" xlink:label="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm1" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="6" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm1" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm2" xlink:label="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm2" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="7" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm2" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedStockOptions" xlink:label="us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedStockOptions" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="8" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedStockOptions" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition1" xlink:label="us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition1" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="9" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition1" priority="1" use="optional" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.bioxceltherapeutics.com/role/DisclosureStockBasedCompensationAssumptionsDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="99941204 - Disclosure - Stock-Based Compensation - Assumptions (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" priority="3" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_TimeBasedProfitSharingUnitsMember" xlink:label="btai_TimeBasedProfitSharingUnitsMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:to="btai_TimeBasedProfitSharingUnitsMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2025/elts/srt-2025.xsd#srt_RangeAxis" xlink:label="srt_RangeAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:to="srt_RangeAxis" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2025/elts/srt-2025.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:label="srt_RangeMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="srt_RangeAxis" xlink:to="srt_RangeMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2025/elts/srt-2025.xsd#srt_MinimumMember" xlink:label="srt_MinimumMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember" xlink:to="srt_MinimumMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2025/elts/srt-2025.xsd#srt_MaximumMember" xlink:label="srt_MaximumMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember" xlink:to="srt_MaximumMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedTerm1" xlink:label="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedTerm1" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedTerm1" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRate" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRate" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRate" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRateMinimum" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRateMinimum" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRateMinimum" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRateMaximum" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRateMaximum" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRateMaximum" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRate" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRate" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="6" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRate" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRateMinimum" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRateMinimum" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="7" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRateMinimum" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRateMaximum" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRateMaximum" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="8" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRateMaximum" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedDividendRate" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedDividendRate" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="9" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedDividendRate" priority="1" use="optional" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.bioxceltherapeutics.com/role/DisclosureStockBasedCompensationExpenseDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="99941205 - Disclosure - Stock-Based Compensation - Expense (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_PerformanceSharesMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_PerformanceSharesMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_PerformanceSharesMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentExpenseMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentExpenseMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentExpenseMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpensesMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpensesMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpensesMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense" xlink:label="us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense" priority="1" use="optional" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.bioxceltherapeutics.com/role/DisclosureStockBasedCompensationEsppDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="99941206 - Disclosure - Stock-Based Compensation - ESPP (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEmployeeStockOwnershipPlanESOPDisclosuresTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfEmployeeStockOwnershipPlanESOPDisclosuresTable" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_PlanNameAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfEmployeeStockOwnershipPlanESOPDisclosuresTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_PlanNameAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_PlanNameDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_PlanNameAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_PlanNameDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_EmployeeStockPurchasePlan2020Member" xlink:label="btai_EmployeeStockPurchasePlan2020Member" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_PlanNameDomain" xlink:to="btai_EmployeeStockPurchasePlan2020Member" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeStockOwnershipPlanESOPDisclosuresLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_EmployeeStockOwnershipPlanESOPDisclosuresLineItems" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_EmployeeStockOwnershipPlanESOPDisclosuresLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfEmployeeStockOwnershipPlanESOPDisclosuresTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAuthorized" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAuthorized" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_EmployeeStockOwnershipPlanESOPDisclosuresLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAuthorized" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardPercentageOfIncreaseInCommonStockAvailableForGrant" xlink:label="btai_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardPercentageOfIncreaseInCommonStockAvailableForGrant" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_EmployeeStockOwnershipPlanESOPDisclosuresLineItems" xlink:to="btai_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardPercentageOfIncreaseInCommonStockAvailableForGrant" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_EmployeeStockPurchasePlanMaximumNumberOfSharesIssuedOrTransferred" xlink:label="btai_EmployeeStockPurchasePlanMaximumNumberOfSharesIssuedOrTransferred" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_EmployeeStockOwnershipPlanESOPDisclosuresLineItems" xlink:to="btai_EmployeeStockPurchasePlanMaximumNumberOfSharesIssuedOrTransferred" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardPurchasePriceOfCommonStockPercent" xlink:label="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardPurchasePriceOfCommonStockPercent" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="us-gaap_EmployeeStockOwnershipPlanESOPDisclosuresLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardPurchasePriceOfCommonStockPercent" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfAdditionalSharesAuthorized" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfAdditionalSharesAuthorized" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="6" xlink:from="us-gaap_EmployeeStockOwnershipPlanESOPDisclosuresLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfAdditionalSharesAuthorized" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesEmployeeStockPurchasePlans" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesEmployeeStockPurchasePlans" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="7" xlink:from="us-gaap_EmployeeStockOwnershipPlanESOPDisclosuresLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesEmployeeStockPurchasePlans" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAvailableForGrant" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAvailableForGrant" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="8" xlink:from="us-gaap_EmployeeStockOwnershipPlanESOPDisclosuresLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAvailableForGrant" priority="1" use="optional" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.bioxceltherapeutics.com/role/DisclosureFairValueMeasurementsHierarchyDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="99941501 - Disclosure - Fair Value Measurements - Hierarchy (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_OnkosxcelWarrantMember" xlink:label="btai_OnkosxcelWarrantMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightDomain" xlink:to="btai_OnkosxcelWarrantMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_BioxcelWarrantsAggregateMember" xlink:label="btai_BioxcelWarrantsAggregateMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightDomain" xlink:to="btai_BioxcelWarrantsAggregateMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsFairValueDisclosure" xlink:label="us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsFairValueDisclosure" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsFairValueDisclosure" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetTransfersLevel1ToLevel2" xlink:label="btai_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetTransfersLevel1ToLevel2" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" xlink:to="btai_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetTransfersLevel1ToLevel2" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetTransfersLevel2ToLevel1" xlink:label="btai_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetTransfersLevel2ToLevel1" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" xlink:to="btai_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetTransfersLevel2ToLevel1" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilityTransfersLevel1ToLevel2" xlink:label="btai_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilityTransfersLevel1ToLevel2" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" xlink:to="btai_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilityTransfersLevel1ToLevel2" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilityTransfersNet" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilityTransfersNet" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="6" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilityTransfersNet" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilitiesNoncurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilitiesNoncurrent" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="7" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilitiesNoncurrent" priority="1" use="optional" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.bioxceltherapeutics.com/role/DisclosureFairValueMeasurementsLevel3Details" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="99941502 - Disclosure - Fair Value Measurements - Level 3 (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTable" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_AccompanyingWarrantsMarch2025Member" xlink:label="btai_AccompanyingWarrantsMarch2025Member" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightDomain" xlink:to="btai_AccompanyingWarrantsMarch2025Member" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_OptionWarrantsMarch2025Member" xlink:label="btai_OptionWarrantsMarch2025Member" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightDomain" xlink:to="btai_OptionWarrantsMarch2025Member" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_EquityInvestmentMember" xlink:label="btai_EquityInvestmentMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightDomain" xlink:to="btai_EquityInvestmentMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationLineItems" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationsRecurringBasisLiabilityValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationsRecurringBasisLiabilityValue" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationsRecurringBasisLiabilityValue" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilitySettlements" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilitySettlements" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilitySettlements" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilityPurchases" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilityPurchases" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilityPurchases" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_ReclassificationOfDerivativeLiabilitiesToPermanentEquity" xlink:label="btai_ReclassificationOfDerivativeLiabilitiesToPermanentEquity" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward" xlink:to="btai_ReclassificationOfDerivativeLiabilitiesToPermanentEquity" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilityGainLossIncludedInEarnings" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilityGainLossIncludedInEarnings" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilityGainLossIncludedInEarnings" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationLiabilityGainLossStatementOfIncomeExtensibleList" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationLiabilityGainLossStatementOfIncomeExtensibleList" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilityGainLossIncludedInEarnings" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationLiabilityGainLossStatementOfIncomeExtensibleList" priority="1" use="optional" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.bioxceltherapeutics.com/role/DisclosureFairValueMeasurementsInputsDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="99941503 - Disclosure - Fair Value Measurements - Inputs (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisValuationTechniquesTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisValuationTechniquesTable" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisValuationTechniquesTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_EquityInvestmentMember" xlink:label="btai_EquityInvestmentMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightDomain" xlink:to="btai_EquityInvestmentMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_OnkosxcelWarrantMember" xlink:label="btai_OnkosxcelWarrantMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightDomain" xlink:to="btai_OnkosxcelWarrantMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_OptionWarrantsMarch2025Member" xlink:label="btai_OptionWarrantsMarch2025Member" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightDomain" xlink:to="btai_OptionWarrantsMarch2025Member" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_AccompanyingWarrantsMarch2025Member" xlink:label="btai_AccompanyingWarrantsMarch2025Member" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightDomain" xlink:to="btai_AccompanyingWarrantsMarch2025Member" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_WarrantOaktreeAndQiaMember" xlink:label="btai_WarrantOaktreeAndQiaMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightDomain" xlink:to="btai_WarrantOaktreeAndQiaMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_Warrants2023Member" xlink:label="btai_Warrants2023Member" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="6" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightDomain" xlink:to="btai_Warrants2023Member" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_Warrants2024Member" xlink:label="btai_Warrants2024Member" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="7" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightDomain" xlink:to="btai_Warrants2024Member" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_Warrants2024AccompanyingWarrantsMember" xlink:label="btai_Warrants2024AccompanyingWarrantsMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="8" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightDomain" xlink:to="btai_Warrants2024AccompanyingWarrantsMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_Warrants2024AccompanyingWarrantsStrikePriceAmendedMember" xlink:label="btai_Warrants2024AccompanyingWarrantsStrikePriceAmendedMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="btai_Warrants2024AccompanyingWarrantsMember" xlink:to="btai_Warrants2024AccompanyingWarrantsStrikePriceAmendedMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_AccompanyingWarrants2024StrikePriceNotAmendedMember" xlink:label="btai_AccompanyingWarrants2024StrikePriceNotAmendedMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="btai_Warrants2024AccompanyingWarrantsMember" xlink:to="btai_AccompanyingWarrants2024StrikePriceNotAmendedMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_November2024AccompanyingWarrantsMember" xlink:label="btai_November2024AccompanyingWarrantsMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="9" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightDomain" xlink:to="btai_November2024AccompanyingWarrantsMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_MeasurementInputTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_MeasurementInputTypeAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisValuationTechniquesTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_MeasurementInputTypeAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_MeasurementInputTypeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_MeasurementInputTypeDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_MeasurementInputTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_MeasurementInputTypeDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_MeasurementInputExercisePriceMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_MeasurementInputExercisePriceMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_MeasurementInputTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_MeasurementInputExercisePriceMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_MeasurementInputPriceVolatilityMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_MeasurementInputPriceVolatilityMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_MeasurementInputTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_MeasurementInputPriceVolatilityMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_MeasurementInputProbabilityOfExerciseMember" xlink:label="btai_MeasurementInputProbabilityOfExerciseMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_MeasurementInputTypeDomain" xlink:to="btai_MeasurementInputProbabilityOfExerciseMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_MeasurementInputExpectedTermMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_MeasurementInputExpectedTermMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_MeasurementInputTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_MeasurementInputExpectedTermMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_MeasurementInputEstimatedPremiumMember" xlink:label="btai_MeasurementInputEstimatedPremiumMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="us-gaap_MeasurementInputTypeDomain" xlink:to="btai_MeasurementInputEstimatedPremiumMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_MeasurementInputDiscountRateMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_MeasurementInputDiscountRateMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="6" xlink:from="us-gaap_MeasurementInputTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_MeasurementInputDiscountRateMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_MeasurementInputRiskFreeInterestRateMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_MeasurementInputRiskFreeInterestRateMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="7" xlink:from="us-gaap_MeasurementInputTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_MeasurementInputRiskFreeInterestRateMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_MeasurementInputSharePriceMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_MeasurementInputSharePriceMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="8" xlink:from="us-gaap_MeasurementInputTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_MeasurementInputSharePriceMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2025/elts/srt-2025.xsd#srt_RangeAxis" xlink:label="srt_RangeAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisValuationTechniquesTable" xlink:to="srt_RangeAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2025/elts/srt-2025.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:label="srt_RangeMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="srt_RangeAxis" xlink:to="srt_RangeMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2025/elts/srt-2025.xsd#srt_MaximumMember" xlink:label="srt_MaximumMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember" xlink:to="srt_MaximumMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisValuationTechniquesTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_CreditFacilityMember" xlink:label="btai_CreditFacilityMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="btai_CreditFacilityMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisValuationTechniquesLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisValuationTechniquesLineItems" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisValuationTechniquesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisValuationTechniquesTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilityMeasurementInput" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilityMeasurementInput" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisValuationTechniquesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilityMeasurementInput" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInDerivativeLiabilities" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInDerivativeLiabilities" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisValuationTechniquesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInDerivativeLiabilities" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFairValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFairValue" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisValuationTechniquesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFairValue" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_WarrantsNotSettleableInCashFairValueDisclosure" xlink:label="us-gaap_WarrantsNotSettleableInCashFairValueDisclosure" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisValuationTechniquesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_WarrantsNotSettleableInCashFairValueDisclosure" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightExercisePriceOfWarrantsOrRights1" xlink:label="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightExercisePriceOfWarrantsOrRights1" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="6" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisValuationTechniquesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightExercisePriceOfWarrantsOrRights1" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilitiesNoncurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilitiesNoncurrent" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="7" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisValuationTechniquesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilitiesNoncurrent" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnDerivativeInstrumentsNetPretax" xlink:label="us-gaap_GainLossOnDerivativeInstrumentsNetPretax" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="8" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisValuationTechniquesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_GainLossOnDerivativeInstrumentsNetPretax" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAdjustmentOfWarrants" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueAdjustmentOfWarrants" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="9" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisValuationTechniquesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueAdjustmentOfWarrants" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightNumberOfSecuritiesCalledByWarrantsOrRights" xlink:label="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightNumberOfSecuritiesCalledByWarrantsOrRights" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="10" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisValuationTechniquesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightNumberOfSecuritiesCalledByWarrantsOrRights" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_WarrantDownRoundFeatureIncreaseDecreaseInEquityAmount1" xlink:label="us-gaap_WarrantDownRoundFeatureIncreaseDecreaseInEquityAmount1" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="11" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisValuationTechniquesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_WarrantDownRoundFeatureIncreaseDecreaseInEquityAmount1" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_WarrantsAndRightsOutstanding" xlink:label="us-gaap_WarrantsAndRightsOutstanding" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="12" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisValuationTechniquesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_WarrantsAndRightsOutstanding" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightOutstanding" xlink:label="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightOutstanding" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="13" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisValuationTechniquesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightOutstanding" priority="1" use="optional" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.bioxceltherapeutics.com/role/DisclosureFairValueMeasurementsWarrantsOutstandingDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="99941504 - Disclosure - Fair Value Measurements - Warrants outstanding (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightTable" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_WarrantOaktreeAndQiaMember" xlink:label="btai_WarrantOaktreeAndQiaMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightDomain" xlink:to="btai_WarrantOaktreeAndQiaMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_Warrants2023Member" xlink:label="btai_Warrants2023Member" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightDomain" xlink:to="btai_Warrants2023Member" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_WarrantShares2024Member" xlink:label="btai_WarrantShares2024Member" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightDomain" xlink:to="btai_WarrantShares2024Member" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_NewWarrantsMember" xlink:label="btai_NewWarrantsMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightDomain" xlink:to="btai_NewWarrantsMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_Warrants2024AccompanyingWarrantsStrikePriceAmendedMember" xlink:label="btai_Warrants2024AccompanyingWarrantsStrikePriceAmendedMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightDomain" xlink:to="btai_Warrants2024AccompanyingWarrantsStrikePriceAmendedMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_AccompanyingWarrants2024StrikePriceNotAmendedMember" xlink:label="btai_AccompanyingWarrants2024StrikePriceNotAmendedMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="6" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightDomain" xlink:to="btai_AccompanyingWarrants2024StrikePriceNotAmendedMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_November2024AccompanyingWarrantsMember" xlink:label="btai_November2024AccompanyingWarrantsMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="7" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightDomain" xlink:to="btai_November2024AccompanyingWarrantsMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_AccompanyingWarrantsMarch2025Member" xlink:label="btai_AccompanyingWarrantsMarch2025Member" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="8" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightDomain" xlink:to="btai_AccompanyingWarrantsMarch2025Member" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2025/elts/srt-2025.xsd#srt_CounterpartyNameAxis" xlink:label="srt_CounterpartyNameAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightTable" xlink:to="srt_CounterpartyNameAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2025/elts/srt-2025.xsd#srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" xlink:label="srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="srt_CounterpartyNameAxis" xlink:to="srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_ArmisticeCapitalMasterFundMember" xlink:label="btai_ArmisticeCapitalMasterFundMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" xlink:to="btai_ArmisticeCapitalMasterFundMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_HeightsCapitalManagementMember" xlink:label="btai_HeightsCapitalManagementMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" xlink:to="btai_HeightsCapitalManagementMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_HudsonBayCapitalManagementMember" xlink:label="btai_HudsonBayCapitalManagementMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" xlink:to="btai_HudsonBayCapitalManagementMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_IntraCoastalCapitalMember" xlink:label="btai_IntraCoastalCapitalMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" xlink:to="btai_IntraCoastalCapitalMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightLineItems" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightExercisePriceOfWarrantsOrRights1" xlink:label="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightExercisePriceOfWarrantsOrRights1" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightExercisePriceOfWarrantsOrRights1" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightOutstanding" xlink:label="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightOutstanding" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightOutstanding" priority="1" use="optional" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.bioxceltherapeutics.com/role/DisclosureIncomeTaxesReconciliationDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="99941602 - Disclosure - Income Taxes - Reconciliation (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwardsTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwardsTable" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwardsTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_DomesticCountryMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_DomesticCountryMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_DomesticCountryMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_StateAndLocalJurisdictionMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_StateAndLocalJurisdictionMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_StateAndLocalJurisdictionMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwardsLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwardsLineItems" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwardsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwardsTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsIncomeTaxReconciliationAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsIncomeTaxReconciliationAbstract" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwardsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsIncomeTaxReconciliationAbstract" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitAtFederalStatutoryIncomeTaxRate" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitAtFederalStatutoryIncomeTaxRate" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsIncomeTaxReconciliationAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitAtFederalStatutoryIncomeTaxRate" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationStateAndLocalIncomeTaxes" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationStateAndLocalIncomeTaxes" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsIncomeTaxReconciliationAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationStateAndLocalIncomeTaxes" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationTaxCreditsResearch" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationTaxCreditsResearch" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsIncomeTaxReconciliationAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationTaxCreditsResearch" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationChangeInDeferredTaxAssetsValuationAllowance" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationChangeInDeferredTaxAssetsValuationAllowance" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsIncomeTaxReconciliationAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationChangeInDeferredTaxAssetsValuationAllowance" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationWarrantValuationAmount" xlink:label="btai_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationWarrantValuationAmount" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsIncomeTaxReconciliationAbstract" xlink:to="btai_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationWarrantValuationAmount" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationNondeductibleExpenseOther" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationNondeductibleExpenseOther" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="6" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsIncomeTaxReconciliationAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationNondeductibleExpenseOther" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="7" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsIncomeTaxReconciliationAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_TaxJurisdictionOfDomicileExtensibleEnumeration" xlink:label="us-gaap_TaxJurisdictionOfDomicileExtensibleEnumeration" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:to="us-gaap_TaxJurisdictionOfDomicileExtensibleEnumeration" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateContinuingOperationsTaxRateReconciliationAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateContinuingOperationsTaxRateReconciliationAbstract" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwardsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateContinuingOperationsTaxRateReconciliationAbstract" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationAtFederalStatutoryIncomeTaxRate" xlink:label="us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationAtFederalStatutoryIncomeTaxRate" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateContinuingOperationsTaxRateReconciliationAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationAtFederalStatutoryIncomeTaxRate" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationStateAndLocalIncomeTaxes" xlink:label="us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationStateAndLocalIncomeTaxes" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateContinuingOperationsTaxRateReconciliationAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationStateAndLocalIncomeTaxes" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationTaxCreditsResearch" xlink:label="us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationTaxCreditsResearch" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateContinuingOperationsTaxRateReconciliationAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationTaxCreditsResearch" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationChangeInDeferredTaxAssetsValuationAllowance" xlink:label="us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationChangeInDeferredTaxAssetsValuationAllowance" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateContinuingOperationsTaxRateReconciliationAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationChangeInDeferredTaxAssetsValuationAllowance" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationWarrantValuationPercent" xlink:label="btai_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationWarrantValuationPercent" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateContinuingOperationsTaxRateReconciliationAbstract" xlink:to="btai_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationWarrantValuationPercent" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationNondeductibleExpenseOther" xlink:label="us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationNondeductibleExpenseOther" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="6" xlink:from="us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateContinuingOperationsTaxRateReconciliationAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationNondeductibleExpenseOther" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateContinuingOperations" xlink:label="us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateContinuingOperations" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="7" xlink:from="us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateContinuingOperationsTaxRateReconciliationAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateContinuingOperations" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwards" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwards" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwardsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwards" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_OperatingLossCarryforwardsNoExpiration" xlink:label="btai_OperatingLossCarryforwardsNoExpiration" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwardsLineItems" xlink:to="btai_OperatingLossCarryforwardsNoExpiration" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardAmount" xlink:label="us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardAmount" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="6" xlink:from="us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwardsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardAmount" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefits" xlink:label="us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefits" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="7" xlink:from="us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwardsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefits" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxExaminationPenaltiesAndInterestAccrued" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeTaxExaminationPenaltiesAndInterestAccrued" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="8" xlink:from="us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwardsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeTaxExaminationPenaltiesAndInterestAccrued" priority="1" use="optional" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.bioxceltherapeutics.com/role/DisclosureNetLossPerShareAntidilutiveDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="99941702 - Disclosure - Net Loss Per Share - Antidilutive (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_PerformanceSharesMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_PerformanceSharesMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_PerformanceSharesMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_BioxcelWarrantsAggregateMember" xlink:label="btai_BioxcelWarrantsAggregateMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain" xlink:to="btai_BioxcelWarrantsAggregateMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount" xlink:label="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount" priority="1" use="optional" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.bioxceltherapeutics.com/role/DisclosureCommitmentsAndContingenciesDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="99941801 - Disclosure - Commitments and Contingencies (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsTable" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2025/elts/srt-2025.xsd#srt_RangeAxis" xlink:label="srt_RangeAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsTable" xlink:to="srt_RangeAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2025/elts/srt-2025.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:label="srt_RangeMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="srt_RangeAxis" xlink:to="srt_RangeMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2025/elts/srt-2025.xsd#srt_MinimumMember" xlink:label="srt_MinimumMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember" xlink:to="srt_MinimumMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2025/elts/srt-2025.xsd#srt_MaximumMember" xlink:label="srt_MaximumMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember" xlink:to="srt_MaximumMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsLineItems" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_LitigationReserveCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_LitigationReserveCurrent" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LitigationReserveCurrent" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_InsuranceCoveragePercentageOfSettlementAmount" xlink:label="btai_InsuranceCoveragePercentageOfSettlementAmount" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsLineItems" xlink:to="btai_InsuranceCoveragePercentageOfSettlementAmount" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentAmount" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentAmount" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentAmount" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermPurchaseCommitmentPeriod" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongtermPurchaseCommitmentPeriod" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongtermPurchaseCommitmentPeriod" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_PurchaseObligationDueInSecondYear" xlink:label="us-gaap_PurchaseObligationDueInSecondYear" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="6" xlink:from="us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_PurchaseObligationDueInSecondYear" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_PurchaseObligationPriorYear" xlink:label="btai_PurchaseObligationPriorYear" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="7" xlink:from="us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsLineItems" xlink:to="btai_PurchaseObligationPriorYear" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_PurchaseObligationFutureMinimumPaymentsRemainderOfFiscalYear" xlink:label="us-gaap_PurchaseObligationFutureMinimumPaymentsRemainderOfFiscalYear" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="8" xlink:from="us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_PurchaseObligationFutureMinimumPaymentsRemainderOfFiscalYear" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_PurchaseObligationDueInNextTwelveMonths" xlink:label="us-gaap_PurchaseObligationDueInNextTwelveMonths" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="9" xlink:from="us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_PurchaseObligationDueInNextTwelveMonths" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerLiabilityCumulativeCatchUpAdjustmentToRevenueModificationOfContract" xlink:label="us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerLiabilityCumulativeCatchUpAdjustmentToRevenueModificationOfContract" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="10" xlink:from="us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerLiabilityCumulativeCatchUpAdjustmentToRevenueModificationOfContract" priority="1" use="optional" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.bioxceltherapeutics.com/role/DisclosureSegmentInformationDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="99941901 - Disclosure - Segment Information (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ReconciliationOfOperatingProfitLossFromSegmentsToConsolidatedTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ReconciliationOfOperatingProfitLossFromSegmentsToConsolidatedTable" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ReconciliationOfOperatingProfitLossFromSegmentsToConsolidatedTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_SingleReportableSegmentMember" xlink:label="btai_SingleReportableSegmentMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:to="btai_SingleReportableSegmentMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2025/elts/srt-2025.xsd#srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis" xlink:label="srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_ReconciliationOfOperatingProfitLossFromSegmentsToConsolidatedTable" xlink:to="srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2025/elts/srt-2025.xsd#srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:label="srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis" xlink:to="srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_EliminationsAndReconcilingItemsMember" xlink:label="btai_EliminationsAndReconcilingItemsMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:to="btai_EliminationsAndReconcilingItemsMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingReconcilingItemForOperatingProfitLossFromSegmentToConsolidatedLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_SegmentReportingReconcilingItemForOperatingProfitLossFromSegmentToConsolidatedLineItems" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingReconcilingItemForOperatingProfitLossFromSegmentToConsolidatedLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ReconciliationOfOperatingProfitLossFromSegmentsToConsolidatedTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingReconcilingItemForOperatingProfitLossFromSegmentToConsolidatedLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_CostOfGoodsAndServicesSold" xlink:label="us-gaap_CostOfGoodsAndServicesSold" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingReconcilingItemForOperatingProfitLossFromSegmentToConsolidatedLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_CostOfGoodsAndServicesSold" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentExpenseAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentExpenseAbstract" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingReconcilingItemForOperatingProfitLossFromSegmentToConsolidatedLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentExpenseAbstract" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_ResearchAndDevelopmentExpenseLaborAndRelatedExpense" xlink:label="btai_ResearchAndDevelopmentExpenseLaborAndRelatedExpense" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentExpenseAbstract" xlink:to="btai_ResearchAndDevelopmentExpenseLaborAndRelatedExpense" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_ResearchAndDevelopmentExpenseShareBasedPaymentArrangementExpense" xlink:label="btai_ResearchAndDevelopmentExpenseShareBasedPaymentArrangementExpense" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentExpenseAbstract" xlink:to="btai_ResearchAndDevelopmentExpenseShareBasedPaymentArrangementExpense" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_ResearchAndDevelopmentExpenseProfessionalFees" xlink:label="btai_ResearchAndDevelopmentExpenseProfessionalFees" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentExpenseAbstract" xlink:to="btai_ResearchAndDevelopmentExpenseProfessionalFees" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_ResearchAndDevelopmentExpenseClinicalTrialsExpense" xlink:label="btai_ResearchAndDevelopmentExpenseClinicalTrialsExpense" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentExpenseAbstract" xlink:to="btai_ResearchAndDevelopmentExpenseClinicalTrialsExpense" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_ResearchAndDevelopmentExpenseChemicalManufacturingAndControlsExpense" xlink:label="btai_ResearchAndDevelopmentExpenseChemicalManufacturingAndControlsExpense" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentExpenseAbstract" xlink:to="btai_ResearchAndDevelopmentExpenseChemicalManufacturingAndControlsExpense" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_ResearchAndDevelopmentCostsOtherExpenses" xlink:label="btai_ResearchAndDevelopmentCostsOtherExpenses" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="6" xlink:from="us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentExpenseAbstract" xlink:to="btai_ResearchAndDevelopmentCostsOtherExpenses" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentExpense" xlink:label="us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentExpense" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="7" xlink:from="us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentExpenseAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentExpense" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_DirectOperatingCostsAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_DirectOperatingCostsAbstract" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingReconcilingItemForOperatingProfitLossFromSegmentToConsolidatedLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DirectOperatingCostsAbstract" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_CommercialCostsLaborAndRelatedExpense" xlink:label="btai_CommercialCostsLaborAndRelatedExpense" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_DirectOperatingCostsAbstract" xlink:to="btai_CommercialCostsLaborAndRelatedExpense" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_CommercialCostsShareBasedPaymentArrangementExpense" xlink:label="btai_CommercialCostsShareBasedPaymentArrangementExpense" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_DirectOperatingCostsAbstract" xlink:to="btai_CommercialCostsShareBasedPaymentArrangementExpense" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_CommercialCostsProfessionalFees" xlink:label="btai_CommercialCostsProfessionalFees" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_DirectOperatingCostsAbstract" xlink:to="btai_CommercialCostsProfessionalFees" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_CommercialCostsCommercialAndMarketing" xlink:label="btai_CommercialCostsCommercialAndMarketing" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_DirectOperatingCostsAbstract" xlink:to="btai_CommercialCostsCommercialAndMarketing" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_CommercialCostsTravelAndOtherExpenses" xlink:label="btai_CommercialCostsTravelAndOtherExpenses" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="us-gaap_DirectOperatingCostsAbstract" xlink:to="btai_CommercialCostsTravelAndOtherExpenses" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_CommercialCostsOtherExpenses" xlink:label="btai_CommercialCostsOtherExpenses" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="6" xlink:from="us-gaap_DirectOperatingCostsAbstract" xlink:to="btai_CommercialCostsOtherExpenses" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_OtherCostAndExpenseOperating" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherCostAndExpenseOperating" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="7" xlink:from="us-gaap_DirectOperatingCostsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherCostAndExpenseOperating" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpenseAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpenseAbstract" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="6" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingReconcilingItemForOperatingProfitLossFromSegmentToConsolidatedLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpenseAbstract" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpenseLaborAndRelatedExpense" xlink:label="btai_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpenseLaborAndRelatedExpense" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpenseAbstract" xlink:to="btai_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpenseLaborAndRelatedExpense" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpenseShareBasedPaymentArrangementExpense" xlink:label="btai_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpenseShareBasedPaymentArrangementExpense" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpenseAbstract" xlink:to="btai_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpenseShareBasedPaymentArrangementExpense" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpenseProfessionalFees" xlink:label="btai_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpenseProfessionalFees" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpenseAbstract" xlink:to="btai_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpenseProfessionalFees" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpenseTravelAndOtherExpenses" xlink:label="btai_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpenseTravelAndOtherExpenses" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpenseAbstract" xlink:to="btai_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpenseTravelAndOtherExpenses" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeCostsOtherExpenses" xlink:label="btai_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeCostsOtherExpenses" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpenseAbstract" xlink:to="btai_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeCostsOtherExpenses" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense" xlink:label="us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="6" xlink:from="us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpenseAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringCharges" xlink:label="us-gaap_RestructuringCharges" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="7" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingReconcilingItemForOperatingProfitLossFromSegmentToConsolidatedLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_RestructuringCharges" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses" xlink:label="us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="8" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingReconcilingItemForOperatingProfitLossFromSegmentToConsolidatedLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="9" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingReconcilingItemForOperatingProfitLossFromSegmentToConsolidatedLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_InterestExpenseNonoperating" xlink:label="us-gaap_InterestExpenseNonoperating" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_InterestExpenseNonoperating" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeInterest" xlink:label="us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeInterest" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeInterest" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="10" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingReconcilingItemForOperatingProfitLossFromSegmentToConsolidatedLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_NumberOfOperatingSegments" xlink:label="us-gaap_NumberOfOperatingSegments" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="11" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingReconcilingItemForOperatingProfitLossFromSegmentToConsolidatedLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_NumberOfOperatingSegments" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_NumberOfReportableSegments" xlink:label="us-gaap_NumberOfReportableSegments" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="12" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingReconcilingItemForOperatingProfitLossFromSegmentToConsolidatedLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_NumberOfReportableSegments" priority="1" use="optional" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.bioxceltherapeutics.com/role/DisclosureSubsequentEventsDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="99942001 - Disclosure - Subsequent Events (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_AtMarketOfferingMember" xlink:label="btai_AtMarketOfferingMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain" xlink:to="btai_AtMarketOfferingMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_EquityDistributionAgreementPursuantToFiledProspectusMember" xlink:label="btai_EquityDistributionAgreementPursuantToFiledProspectusMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain" xlink:to="btai_EquityDistributionAgreementPursuantToFiledProspectusMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_March2026OfferingMember" xlink:label="btai_March2026OfferingMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain" xlink:to="btai_March2026OfferingMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2025/elts/srt-2025.xsd#srt_CounterpartyNameAxis" xlink:label="srt_CounterpartyNameAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable" xlink:to="srt_CounterpartyNameAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2025/elts/srt-2025.xsd#srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" xlink:label="srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="srt_CounterpartyNameAxis" xlink:to="srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_CanaccordGenuityLlcMember" xlink:label="btai_CanaccordGenuityLlcMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" xlink:to="btai_CanaccordGenuityLlcMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_OfaAdministrativeAgentMember" xlink:label="btai_OfaAdministrativeAgentMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="btai_OfaAdministrativeAgentMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_CreditFacilityMember" xlink:label="btai_CreditFacilityMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="btai_OfaAdministrativeAgentMember" xlink:to="btai_CreditFacilityMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="5" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_March2026AccompanyingWarrantsMember" xlink:label="btai_March2026AccompanyingWarrantsMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightDomain" xlink:to="btai_March2026AccompanyingWarrantsMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_March2026PreFundedWarrantsMember" xlink:label="btai_March2026PreFundedWarrantsMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightDomain" xlink:to="btai_March2026PreFundedWarrantsMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_March2026PreFundedAccompanyingWarrantsMember" xlink:label="btai_March2026PreFundedAccompanyingWarrantsMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightDomain" xlink:to="btai_March2026PreFundedAccompanyingWarrantsMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_PlacementAgentWarrantsMember" xlink:label="btai_PlacementAgentWarrantsMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightDomain" xlink:to="btai_PlacementAgentWarrantsMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_WarrantAmendmentRelatesToMarchAndNovember2024WarrantsMember" xlink:label="btai_WarrantAmendmentRelatesToMarchAndNovember2024WarrantsMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightDomain" xlink:to="btai_WarrantAmendmentRelatesToMarchAndNovember2024WarrantsMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2025/elts/srt-2025.xsd#srt_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:label="srt_StatementScenarioAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="6" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable" xlink:to="srt_StatementScenarioAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2025/elts/srt-2025.xsd#srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="srt_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:to="srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_NinthAmendmentOptionMember" xlink:label="btai_NinthAmendmentOptionMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:to="btai_NinthAmendmentOptionMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_NinthAmendmentOptionBMember" xlink:label="btai_NinthAmendmentOptionBMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:to="btai_NinthAmendmentOptionBMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_PrepaymentOfFiftyPercentOfProceedsNotRequiredMember" xlink:label="btai_PrepaymentOfFiftyPercentOfProceedsNotRequiredMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:to="btai_PrepaymentOfFiftyPercentOfProceedsNotRequiredMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_SaleOfStockMaximumValueSharesToBeIssued" xlink:label="btai_SaleOfStockMaximumValueSharesToBeIssued" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems" xlink:to="btai_SaleOfStockMaximumValueSharesToBeIssued" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfCommonStock" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfCommonStock" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfCommonStock" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_SaleOfStockConsiderationReceivedOnTransaction" xlink:label="us-gaap_SaleOfStockConsiderationReceivedOnTransaction" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_SaleOfStockConsiderationReceivedOnTransaction" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsOfStockIssuanceCosts" xlink:label="us-gaap_PaymentsOfStockIssuanceCosts" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="6" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_PaymentsOfStockIssuanceCosts" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_OperatingLeaseMonthlyBaseRent" xlink:label="btai_OperatingLeaseMonthlyBaseRent" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="7" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems" xlink:to="btai_OperatingLeaseMonthlyBaseRent" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_DebtInstrumentFinancialCovenantChangeInMinimumLiquidityRequirement" xlink:label="btai_DebtInstrumentFinancialCovenantChangeInMinimumLiquidityRequirement" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="8" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems" xlink:to="btai_DebtInstrumentFinancialCovenantChangeInMinimumLiquidityRequirement" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_DebtInstrumentFinancialCovenantMinimumLiquidityRequirement" xlink:label="btai_DebtInstrumentFinancialCovenantMinimumLiquidityRequirement" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="9" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems" xlink:to="btai_DebtInstrumentFinancialCovenantMinimumLiquidityRequirement" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_NumberOfSharesAgreedToBeIssued" xlink:label="btai_NumberOfSharesAgreedToBeIssued" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="10" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems" xlink:to="btai_NumberOfSharesAgreedToBeIssued" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="11" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightNumberOfSecuritiesCalledByWarrantsOrRights" xlink:label="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightNumberOfSecuritiesCalledByWarrantsOrRights" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="12" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightNumberOfSecuritiesCalledByWarrantsOrRights" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_SharesAndWarrantsCombinedOfferingPrice" xlink:label="btai_SharesAndWarrantsCombinedOfferingPrice" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="13" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems" xlink:to="btai_SharesAndWarrantsCombinedOfferingPrice" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_PreFundedAndAccompanyingWarrantsCombinedOfferingPrice" xlink:label="btai_PreFundedAndAccompanyingWarrantsCombinedOfferingPrice" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="14" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems" xlink:to="btai_PreFundedAndAccompanyingWarrantsCombinedOfferingPrice" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightExercisePriceOfWarrantsOrRights1" xlink:label="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightExercisePriceOfWarrantsOrRights1" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="15" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightExercisePriceOfWarrantsOrRights1" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_WarrantsAndRightsOutstandingTerm" xlink:label="us-gaap_WarrantsAndRightsOutstandingTerm" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="16" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_WarrantsAndRightsOutstandingTerm" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesWarrantsExercised" xlink:label="btai_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesWarrantsExercised" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="17" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems" xlink:to="btai_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesWarrantsExercised" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromWarrantExercises" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProceedsFromWarrantExercises" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="18" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProceedsFromWarrantExercises" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_PlacementAgentFeesPercentageOfGrossProceeds" xlink:label="btai_PlacementAgentFeesPercentageOfGrossProceeds" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="19" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems" xlink:to="btai_PlacementAgentFeesPercentageOfGrossProceeds" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_PlacementAgentCompensationPercentageOfShares" xlink:label="btai_PlacementAgentCompensationPercentageOfShares" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="20" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems" xlink:to="btai_PlacementAgentCompensationPercentageOfShares" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_PlacementAgentCompensationNumberOfShares" xlink:label="btai_PlacementAgentCompensationNumberOfShares" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="21" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems" xlink:to="btai_PlacementAgentCompensationNumberOfShares" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_PlacementAgentExercisePricePercentageOfOfferingPrice" xlink:label="btai_PlacementAgentExercisePricePercentageOfOfferingPrice" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="22" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems" xlink:to="btai_PlacementAgentExercisePricePercentageOfOfferingPrice" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_PlacementAgentPricePerShareToExerciseWarrants" xlink:label="btai_PlacementAgentPricePerShareToExerciseWarrants" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="23" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems" xlink:to="btai_PlacementAgentPricePerShareToExerciseWarrants" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_PlacementAgentMaximumReimbursementOfExpenses" xlink:label="btai_PlacementAgentMaximumReimbursementOfExpenses" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="24" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems" xlink:to="btai_PlacementAgentMaximumReimbursementOfExpenses" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_PlacementAgentMaximumReimbursementOfClearingAndClosingExpenses" xlink:label="btai_PlacementAgentMaximumReimbursementOfClearingAndClosingExpenses" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="25" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems" xlink:to="btai_PlacementAgentMaximumReimbursementOfClearingAndClosingExpenses" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_WarrantAmendmentConsideration" xlink:label="btai_WarrantAmendmentConsideration" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="26" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems" xlink:to="btai_WarrantAmendmentConsideration" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt" xlink:label="us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="27" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFeeAmount" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFeeAmount" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="28" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFeeAmount" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_RequiredPrincipalPrepaymentOfProceedsFromIssuanceOfWarrantsPercent" xlink:label="btai_RequiredPrincipalPrepaymentOfProceedsFromIssuanceOfWarrantsPercent" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="29" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems" xlink:to="btai_RequiredPrincipalPrepaymentOfProceedsFromIssuanceOfWarrantsPercent" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_ProceedsFromCapitalRaiseActivities" xlink:label="btai_ProceedsFromCapitalRaiseActivities" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="30" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems" xlink:to="btai_ProceedsFromCapitalRaiseActivities" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20251231.xsd#btai_ProceedsFromCapitalRaisePrepayments" xlink:label="btai_ProceedsFromCapitalRaisePrepayments" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="31" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems" xlink:to="btai_ProceedsFromCapitalRaisePrepayments" priority="1" use="optional" />
  </definitionLink>
</link:linkbase>
