Definition of prebiotic
1 : of, relating to, or being chemical or environmental precursors of the origin of life … it is possible that either the prebiotic molecules necessary for the evolution of life or the raw materials from which these molecules formed were brought to Earth by comet-like objects. — Marcia Neugebauer; also : existing or occurring before the origin of life … RNA is a chemically fragile molecule, unlikely to survive the harsh prebiotic conditions. — Michael Egholm et al.
2 : of, relating to, or being a prebiotic … next-generation probiotic microbes administered along with the appropriate prebiotic nutrients to nourish them. — Michael Pollan
Indulge Your Inner Word Nerd
Origin and Etymology of prebiotic
pre- + biotic
First Known Use: 1954
prebiotic
Definition of prebiotic
: a substance and especially a carbohydrate (such as inulin) that is nearly or wholly indigestible and that when consumed (as in food) promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria in the digestive tract Prebiotics are naturally found in certain fruits, vegetables, and herbs, including artichoke, asparagus, bananas, chicory, garlic, and onions. — Andrew Weil — compare probiotic
1995
First Known Use of prebiotic
1995
Medical Dictionary
prebiotic
Medical Definition of prebiotic
1: of, relating to, or being chemical or environmental precursors of the origin of life prebiotic molecules; also : existing or occurring before the origin of life prebiotic conditions
2: of, relating to, or being a prebiotic Prebiotic agents included the oligosaccharides inulin, galactose, fructose, lactulose, and combinations of these nutrients.—Josef Neu et al., The New England Journal of Medicine, 20 Jan. 2011
prebiotically
\-i-k(ə-)lē\ adverbprebiotic
Medical Definition of prebiotic
: a substance and especially a carbohydrate (such as inulin) that is nearly or wholly indigestible and that when consumed (as in food) promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria in the digestive tract—compare probiotic
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