prebiotic

1 of 2

adjective

pre·​bi·​ot·​ic ˌprē-bī-ˈä-tik How to pronounce prebiotic (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
Still, prebiotic soda can be high in artificial sugars and other ingredients. Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 20 May 2025 Poppi, founded by husband-and-wife duo Stephen and Allison Ellsworth, is among the emerging success stories from the prebiotic soda market’s refresh—with social media savvy, viral moments, collaborations and vibrant packaging—making the category the cool alternative to traditional soda. Charlie Carballo, Footwear News, 20 May 2025
Noun
Lombardo: Beverages are a great form factor for prebiotics because they’re consumed regularly. Dave Knox, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025 The fiber in nuts functions as a prebiotic, which helps balance gut bacteria. Julie Marks, Verywell Health, 5 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for prebiotic

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of prebiotic was in 1954

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Prebiotic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prebiotic. Accessed 28 May. 2025.

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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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