probiotic

noun

pro·​bi·​ot·​ic prō-bī-ˈä-tik 

-bē-ˈä-

: a microorganism (such as lactobacillus) that when consumed (as in a food or a dietary supplement) maintains or restores beneficial bacteria to the digestive tract

also : a product or preparation that contains such microorganisms compare prebiotic

probiotic adjective

Examples of probiotic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

These probiotics may help balance the gut microbiome, which research suggests is linked to mental well-being. —Roxana Ehsani, Health, 24 Sep. 2024

That's all thanks to the probiotics and coconut water in the formula, which hydrate and boost skin elasticity—the perfect pick-me-up. —Deanna Pai, Allure, 5 Aug. 2024

Research shows that probiotics are a safe way to restore the natural balance of bacteria in the female reproductive tract.3 Several studies compared how well probiotics combined with antibiotics worked against BV versus using antibiotics alone or with a placebo. —Johna Burdeos, Health, 16 Sep. 2024

Seed, a maker of probiotics, is launching three of its products at Target, co-CEO Ara Katz tells Axios exclusively. —Richard Collings, Axios, 9 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

pro- entry 2 + -biotic (as in antibiotic)

First Known Use

1974, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

probiotic

noun

pro·​bi·​ot·​ic prō-bī-ˈät-ik, -bē- 

: a microorganism (such as lactobacillus or bifidobacterium) that when consumed (as in a food or a dietary supplement) maintains or restores beneficial bacteria to the digestive tract

also : a product or preparation that contains such microorganisms compare prebiotic

probiotic adjective