prebiotic

adjective pre·bi·ot·ic \ ˌprē-bī-ˈä-tik \

|Updated on: 8 Jul 2018

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

Recent Examples of prebiotic from the Web

This daily probiotic supplement dissolves under the tongue to promote good digestion using a unique blend of live cultures and prebiotic fiber.

— jenna rennert, Vogue, "Everything You Need for Summer, From the Perfect Mascara to Chanel’s Tanning Mist," 16 May 2018
Until more comprehensive research is conducted on synbiotics, consider sticking to swallowing a probiotic supplement or eat probiotic-rich foods in addition to prebiotic foods.

— anthea levi, Health.com, "Are Synbiotics the New Probiotics?," 2 May 2018
Healthier gut microbiota: The abundance of dietary fiber and polyphenols in almonds may create a prebiotic effect.

— jaclyn london, ms, rd, Good Housekeeping, "Why You Should Go Nuts About Almonds," 3 Apr. 2018
The best prebiotic foods are chicory, garlic, leeks, onions, asparagus, banana and artichoke.

— sheah rarback, miamiherald, "How to stay healthy: Eat well, sleep well and keep moving | Miami Herald," 5 Mar. 2018
One idea being explored in astrobiology is whether some prebiotic organic molecules could have been delivered to Earth by meteorites or dust grains.

— luba ostashevsky, Ars Technica, "How did life begin? It’s Chemistry 101, but in space," 26 Feb. 2018
To strengthen the immune system feed the gut the prebiotic fibers that nourish the good bacteria.

— sheah rarback, miamiherald, "How to stay healthy: Eat well, sleep well and keep moving | Miami Herald," 5 Mar. 2018
Barley, pinto beans and pumpkin puree are some of the fiber superstars in this recipe while mushrooms have notable prebiotic fibers.

— samantha cassetty, NBC News, "Delicious high-fiber recipes that will keep you full longer," 1 Mar. 2018
The ice cream’s secret weapons are stevia and prebiotic fiber (which replace the sugar and fat of typical ice cream) and … air.

— heather schwedel, Slate Magazine, "The Devilish Magic of Halo Top," 13 Aug. 2017

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1954

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

prebiotic

noun

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

Recent Examples of prebiotic from the Web

Studies have shown that apple cider vinegar could be beneficial in lowering blood sugar, aiding in slight long term weight loss, and as a prebiotic to ease digestion.

— kyle beechey, Bon Appetit, "The Mysterious Hippie Food Brand That's Never Let Me Down," 27 June 2018
There’s no question whether probiotics and prebiotics on their own are good for you.

— anthea levi, Health.com, "Are Synbiotics the New Probiotics?," 2 May 2018
Soon, Katz had teamed up with scientist Raja Dhir to create one straightforward and scientifically sound pill that would combine the best of probiotics and prebiotics (a combination formally known as a synbiotic).

— mackenzie wagoner, Vogue, "If You Only Take One Supplement This Summer, Let It Be This," 5 June 2018
Inulin also works as a prebiotic and can help stimulate the growth of healthy bacteria in the digestive system.

— Time, "Weekend Recipe: An Asparagus Salad That Will Wow Dinner Guests," 26 Apr. 2018
These are supplements that contain probiotic strains in addition to prebiotics.

— anthea levi, Health.com, "Are Synbiotics the New Probiotics?," 2 May 2018
When thinking of gut-friendly foods, keep in mind both prebiotic and probiotic foods.

— lauren delgado, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Stock your garden with gut-friendly produce," 2 May 2018
These gut-friendly foods also contain pro- or prebiotics, which help gut-bacteria diversity.

— alexandra sifferlin, Time, "10 Foods Filled With Probiotics," 12 Apr. 2018
The fiber acts as a prebiotic, a substance that feeds healthy bacteria in the gut.

— ashleigh spitza, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Millet, the underdog of grains, packs a punch of nutrients," 11 Apr. 2018

First Known Use of prebiotic

1995

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

Medical Dictionary

prebiotic

adjective pre·bi·ot·ic \ -bī-ˈät-ik \

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

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