probiotic

noun

pro·​bi·​ot·​ic prō-bī-ˈä-tik 

-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

Key Ingredients: Squalane, niacinamide, probiotics Best For: Normal skin, dry skin, dull skin Size: 2.3 oz. —Emily Orofino, Vogue, 7 Sep. 2024

Prior to 2001, there were only 760 papers about probiotics. —India Espy-Jones, Essence, 14 Aug. 2024

Some teams—like Great Britain, for example—had their swimmers take probiotics before swimming in the Seine, and other athletes, like Team USA’s Taylor Spivey, have mentioned doing similar. —SELF, 5 Aug. 2024

Fermented Foods: Foods like sauerkraut are a great way to get your probiotics, and are safe for breastfeeding parents to consume. —​wendy Wisner, Parents, 22 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1974, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

probiotic

noun

pro·​bi·​ot·​ic prō-bī-ˈät-ik, -bē- 

: 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