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

Culturelle probiotics usually contain one strain of probiotic bacteria called Lactobacillus rhamnosus, while Align probiotic supplements tend to have both probiotic and prebiotic ingredients. — Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 2026

How probiotics work on your skin Skin hosts a complex ecosystem of bacteria, and probiotic skincare aims to add or nurture beneficial strains directly on the surface. — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Charlotte Observer, 11 Aug. 2026

The idea is to add beneficial bacteria topically, similar to how probiotics work in food. — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Kansas City Star, 11 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1974, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for probiotic

• aprotic
• aquatic
• biotic
• chaotic
• cirrhotic
• demotic
• despotic
• dichotic
• erotic
• euphotic
• exotic
• fibrotic

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