probiotic

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noun pro·bi·ot·ic \ prō-bī-ˈä-tik , -bē-ˈä- \

Definition of probiotic

: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

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probiotic

adjective

Recent Examples of probiotic from the Web

That has additional ingredients that are considered good for you, such as whey and milk proteins, probiotics, Omega 3.

— kristine m. kierzek, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "A breeze to freeze: Homemade ice cream has never been easier — or more creative," 22 Aug. 2017
The anti-pathogenic properties of insect faeces may prove useful to discover new antimicrobials and probiotics.

— prayan pokharel, Smithsonian, "How Insect Poop Could Solve All Our Problems," 17 Aug. 2017
Research suggests that some microbial strains in topical probiotics can improve the skin’s protective mechanisms, impede inflammation, and inhibit the P. acnes bacteria that causes breakouts.

— jenn sinrich, SELF, "5 Signs You're Dealing with Hormonal Acne—and How to Treat It," 7 Aug. 2017
The probiotics build up healthy bacteria in your gut and the Pepto-Bismol acts as a prophylactic that coats your digestive track like a protective sleeve and can help filter out organisms in contaminated water or food.

— mark ellwood, Bloomberg.com, "Why You Should Never Eat Food on Planes, and Other Jet-Set Tips," 19 July 2017
A small field trial with probiotics in 2010, led by Vredenburg, helped protect a small population of mountain yellow-legged frogs in California's Sierra Nevada against Bd.

— erik stokstad, Science | AAAS, "A fungus is attacking Europe’s most beloved salamander. It could wreak havoc if it gets to North America," 19 July 2017
Probiotics This trend, which sparked a few years ago, is still going strong.

— elise deming, rdn, Philly.com, "The latest trends in natural and organic foods," 18 July 2017
According to a survey conducted by the National Center for Health Statistics, 3 million more U.S. adults used probiotics or prebiotics (a plant fiber)...

— serena gordon, chicagotribune.com, "New diabetes treatment teaches rogue immune cells to behave," 17 July 2017
Other treatments could include probiotics to rebalance gut bacteria and prescription drugs such as eluxadoline (Viberzi) and alosetron (Lotronex and generic) to reduce diarrhea and abdominal pain.

— consumer reports, Washington Post, "Why you really don’t want to ignore small health problems," 16 July 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'probiotic.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of probiotic

²pro- + -biotic (as in antibiotic)

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1974

See Words from the same year

Medical Dictionary

probiotic

play

noun pro·bi·ot·ic \ prō-bī-ˈät-ik, -bē- \

medical Definition of probiotic

: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

Learn More about probiotic

Nglish: Translation of probiotic for Spanish speakers

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Definition of probiotic

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