probiotic

noun

pro·​bi·​ot·​ic prō-bī-ˈä-tik How to pronounce probiotic (audio)
-bē-ˈä-
: a microorganism (such as lactobacillus) that when consumed (as in a food or a dietary supplement) maintains or restores beneficial bacteria to the digestive tract
also : a product or preparation that contains such microorganisms compare prebiotic
probiotic adjective

Examples of probiotic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web TikTok’s current obsession is coconut kefir, an ingredient that’s ideal for blending up delicious smoothies and shakes that are rich in probiotics. Beatrice Zocchi, Vogue, 5 Mar. 2024 Its fermentation process promotes the growth of probiotics and creates amino acids, including glutamic acid. Lynda Balslev, The Mercury News, 26 Feb. 2024 Scientists believe that imbalances in the complex ecosystem that is the billions of microbes inhabiting our digestive tract contribute to hypertension—and ongoing research (which includes clinical trials!) suggests that probiotics can help restore balance. Lauren Del Turco, SELF, 22 Feb. 2024 The agency noted that the case isn't the first of its kind; there have been previous reports of infections and sepsis in infants due to the use of probiotics containing bacteria and yeast. Eric Berger, Ars Technica, 3 Oct. 2023 Although the probiotics in Kefir have been found to have a wide range of antimicrobial, antitumor and anticarcinogenic effects, passing this information along to consumers is another task entirely. Alexander Puutio, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2024 What is the difference between probiotics and prebiotics? Tracy Achonwa, Vogue, 23 Feb. 2024 If taken orally, probiotics can enhance the body’s nutrient absorption and systemic inflammation. Elizabeth Gamillo, Discover Magazine, 23 Feb. 2024 Prebiotics are essentially non-digestible fibers that serve as food to help probiotics thrive. Shushy Rita Setrakian Ms, Verywell Health, 21 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'probiotic.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

pro- entry 2 + -biotic (as in antibiotic)

First Known Use

1974, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of probiotic was in 1974

Dictionary Entries Near probiotic

Cite this Entry

“Probiotic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/probiotic. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

probiotic

noun
pro·​bi·​ot·​ic prō-bī-ˈät-ik, -bē- How to pronounce probiotic (audio)
: a microorganism (such as lactobacillus or bifidobacterium) that when consumed (as in a food or a dietary supplement) maintains or restores beneficial bacteria to the digestive tract
also : a product or preparation that contains such microorganisms compare prebiotic
probiotic adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on probiotic

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