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
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.
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
Michael Pollan
: 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
Andrew WeilExamples of prebiotic in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the WebAmber Smith, Discover Magazine, 3 Apr. 2024
Here are some of the best best probiotic and prebiotic foods and supplements that could help reduce the risk of health conditions, from heart disease to diabetes.
—Joanne Shurvell, Forbes, 27 Mar. 2024
Humans have been reaping the benefits of thermal spring water for centuries which is known to be anti-inflammatory, soothing, and protective of the skin’s microbiome with prebiotic and probiotic properties.
—Isabella Ubaldi, Health, 15 June 2023
Adults over 60 who took a daily prebiotic fiber supplement for 12 weeks performed better on a memory test compared to those who didn’t.
—Kristen Fischer, Health, 15 Mar. 2024
The materials that have the same type of composition but are prebiotic, are not used in life processes, are right-handed.
—Chris Klimek, Smithsonian Magazine, 16 Nov. 2023
Furthermore, Purina Pro Plan incorporates prebiotic fiber and live probiotics into their sensitive stomach formulas.
—Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 17 Aug. 2023
The prebiotic soda company is hiring Senior Soda Consultants to travel to 4 major cities this spring and summer and spread some bubbly joy as part of its Real Love Makes Us campaign.
—Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 28 Feb. 2024
Now, new preliminary research has pinpointed which five foods pack the most prebiotic content.
—Korin Miller, Health, 22 July 2023
Katie Suleta, The Conversation, 5 Apr. 2024
For example, the moisturizer contains vital prebiotics to help manage the balance of harmful and beneficial bacteria on the skin to prevent new pimples from cropping up.
—Chaunie Brusie, Rn, Parents, 26 Feb. 2024
These prebiotics are a type of fiber that the body cannot digest but are beneficial to the probiotics (good bacteria) in our gut.
—Kristen Fischer, Health, 15 Mar. 2024
Czech’s toner mist is gentle on skin, providing essential nutrients and conditioning agents like prebiotics, vitamin C, sea chamomile, and minerals to limit inflammation and repair barrier function.
—Deanna Pai, Vogue, 13 Mar. 2024
This product also contains inulin, a plant fiber that is considered a prebiotic.
—Shushy Rita Setrakian Ms, Verywell Health, 21 Feb. 2024
What is the difference between probiotics and prebiotics?
—Tracy Achonwa, Vogue, 23 Feb. 2024
Probiotics and prebiotics are another hot area of interest, both among researchers and IBD patients.
—Markham Heid, TIME, 9 Feb. 2024
On the other hand, research suggests probiotics and prebiotics are relatively safe.
—Markham Heid, TIME, 9 Feb. 2024
Adjective
Oat Fiber is a prebiotic fiber that re energizes the gut-friendly bacteria inside the body and bulks up the stool.
—Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 3 Apr. 2024
Here are some of the best best probiotic and prebiotic foods and supplements that could help reduce the risk of health conditions, from heart disease to diabetes.
—Joanne Shurvell, Forbes, 27 Mar. 2024
Humans have been reaping the benefits of thermal spring water for centuries which is known to be anti-inflammatory, soothing, and protective of the skin’s microbiome with prebiotic and probiotic properties.
—Isabella Ubaldi, Health, 15 June 2023
Adults over 60 who took a daily prebiotic fiber supplement for 12 weeks performed better on a memory test compared to those who didn’t.
—Kristen Fischer, Health, 15 Mar. 2024
The materials that have the same type of composition but are prebiotic, are not used in life processes, are right-handed.
—Chris Klimek, Smithsonian Magazine, 16 Nov. 2023
Furthermore, Purina Pro Plan incorporates prebiotic fiber and live probiotics into their sensitive stomach formulas.
—Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 17 Aug. 2023
The prebiotic soda company is hiring Senior Soda Consultants to travel to 4 major cities this spring and summer and spread some bubbly joy as part of its Real Love Makes Us campaign.
—Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 28 Feb. 2024
Now, new preliminary research has pinpointed which five foods pack the most prebiotic content.
—Korin Miller, Health, 22 July 2023
Noun
According to a 2023 survey, 74% of U.S. adults take vitamins, prebiotics and the like.
—Katie Suleta, The Conversation, 5 Apr. 2024
For example, the moisturizer contains vital prebiotics to help manage the balance of harmful and beneficial bacteria on the skin to prevent new pimples from cropping up.
—Chaunie Brusie, Rn, Parents, 26 Feb. 2024
These prebiotics are a type of fiber that the body cannot digest but are beneficial to the probiotics (good bacteria) in our gut.
—Kristen Fischer, Health, 15 Mar. 2024
Czech’s toner mist is gentle on skin, providing essential nutrients and conditioning agents like prebiotics, vitamin C, sea chamomile, and minerals to limit inflammation and repair barrier function.
—Deanna Pai, Vogue, 13 Mar. 2024
This product also contains inulin, a plant fiber that is considered a prebiotic.
—Shushy Rita Setrakian Ms, Verywell Health, 21 Feb. 2024
What is the difference between probiotics and prebiotics?
—Tracy Achonwa, Vogue, 23 Feb. 2024
Probiotics and prebiotics are another hot area of interest, both among researchers and IBD patients.
—Markham Heid, TIME, 9 Feb. 2024
On the other hand, research suggests probiotics and prebiotics are relatively safe.
—Markham Heid, TIME, 9 Feb. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'prebiotic.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near prebiotic
Cite this Entry
“Prebiotic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prebiotic. Accessed 20 Apr. 2024.
Copy CitationMedical 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
Josef Neu et al., The New England Journal of Medicine
prebiotically
adverb
-i-k(ə-)lē
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
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