prebiotic

1 of 2

adjective

pre·​bi·​ot·​ic ˌprē-bī-ˈä-tik 

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

prebiotic

2 of 2

noun

: 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

Examples of prebiotic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Poppi and other prebiotic drinks including Olipop, Culture Pops have gained acceptance from consumers looking for healthier drink options. —Mike Snider, USA Today, 28 Nov. 2025

Just like the rest of Halfday’s flavors, Cranberry is low in sugar and calories, brewed with real tea, and includes 6g of prebiotic fiber to support your gut health. —Adam Mills, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Nov. 2025

Noun

Help Beneficial Bacteria Grow Fermented pickles have prebiotics. —Merve Ceylan, Health, 28 Nov. 2025

Maple Sap Tapping a maple tree will give you a natural liquid called sap that is packed with electrolytes, prebiotics, and antioxidants. —Marley Hall, Verywell Health, 24 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

pre- + biotic

First Known Use

Adjective

1954, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1995, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for prebiotic

• abiotic
• aeronautic
• apoptotic
• asymptotic
• cyanotic
• eukaryotic
• idiotic
• meiotic
• patriotic
• probiotic
• prokaryotic
• semiotic

Medical Definition

prebiotic

1 of 2 adjective

pre·​bi·​ot·​ic

-bī-ˈät-ik

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

prebiotically

-i-k(ə-)lē

adverb

prebiotic

2 of 2 noun

: 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