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
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Recent Examples of prebiotic from the Web
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University of Trento biochemist Claudia Bonfio removed oxygen and mixed together a brew of iron and glutathione, a sulfur-containing peptide likely present in the prebiotic chemical soup.
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While all fiber is good, here are some great prebiotic fiber sources: Jerusalem artichokes, onions, garlic, and leeks, as well as chia seeds, flaxseeds, and hemp seeds.
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This Energy Food + Prebiotic blend from The Nue Co. appeals to the innovator in you.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'prebiotic.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of prebiotic
pre- + biotic
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
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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