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

Artichokes have prebiotic fibers, which fuel beneficial bacteria in your large intestine. —Jillian Kubala, Health, 25 Mar. 2025

This elixir is powered by a blend of antioxidants (including goji fruit extract), cucumber fruit water, prebiotic and postbiotic extracts, and a handful of other intelligent ingredients to provide visible firming and hydration while helping shield and balance skin from within. —Kiana Murden, Vogue, 21 Feb. 2025

Noun

And they’re loaded with prebiotics that nourish gut microbes. —Dr. Steven Gundry, CNBC, 25 Apr. 2025

Additionally, the berries are rich in compounds that act like prebiotics, which promote healthy bacteria in the gut. —Julie Marks, Verywell Health, 23 Apr. 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