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

Hyland's Kids Multivitamin + Digestive Support: An all-in-one multivitamin that includes kid-friendly probiotics and fiber. —Adam Mills, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 May 2025

There are no guidelines about the type or amount of probiotics humans should consume for health benefits. —Amber J. Tresca, Verywell Health, 6 May 2025

The research team is also exploring whether the use of probiotics could safely eliminate harmful bacterial strains. —Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 1 May 2025

This study is the first of its kind to implement daily mood monitoring to assess the psychological effects of probiotics. —Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 23 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1974, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for probiotic

• abiotic
• aeronautic
• apoptotic
• asymptotic
• cyanotic
• eukaryotic
• idiotic
• meiotic
• patriotic
• prebiotic
• prokaryotic
• semiotic

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