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

The prebiotic soda brand made the announcement in an Instagram post on Tuesday, June 3, explaining that criticism from customers prompted the move. —Erin Clements, People.com, 6 June 2025

On the early Earth, however — before the rise in atmospheric oxygen due to photosynthesis — lightning may have played a crucial role in creating many prebiotic compounds, which are molecules that form the building blocks of proteins. —Paul Sutter, Space.com, 20 May 2025

Noun

Oats are an abundant source of prebiotics and soluble and insoluble fibers, all of which support digestive health. —Amy Brownstein, Verywell Health, 25 June 2025

In Atlanta, people’s desire for nonalcoholic options is also most likely driving the turn to prebiotics. —Tariro Mzezewa, New York Times, 26 Mar. 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