Main Entry:

pro·bi·ot·ic

Pronunciation:

\prō-bī-ˈä-tik, -bē-ˈä-\

Function:

noun

Etymology:

²pro- + -biotic (as in antibiotic)

Date:

1951

: a preparation (as a dietary supplement) containing live bacteria (as lactobacilli) that is taken orally to restore beneficial bacteria to the body ; also : a bacterium of such a preparation

— probiotic adjective