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
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.
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
Michael Pollan
: 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
Andrew WeilExamples of prebiotic in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the WebMike Snider, The Courier-Journal, 26 June 2024
Not yet There are growing efforts to move this research into actionable treatments, using diets, prebiotic and probiotic supplements.
—Will Stone, NPR, 25 June 2024
Barbie Cervoni, Health, 22 June 2024
Probiotics are beneficial bacteria (human microflora), and prebiotics are food (typically high-fiber foods) for these bacteria, according to Mayo Clinic and Healthline.
—Jonathan Limehouse, USA TODAY, 13 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for prebiotic 
Adjective
Amazon announces dates for summer sales event Are prebiotic sodas like Poppi healthy?
—Mike Snider, The Courier-Journal, 26 June 2024
Not yet There are growing efforts to move this research into actionable treatments, using diets, prebiotic and probiotic supplements.
—Will Stone, NPR, 25 June 2024
Noun
Cruciferous vegetables also contain prebiotics, which are important for gut health.
—Barbie Cervoni, Health, 22 June 2024
Probiotics are beneficial bacteria (human microflora), and prebiotics are food (typically high-fiber foods) for these bacteria, according to Mayo Clinic and Healthline.
—Jonathan Limehouse, USA TODAY, 13 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for prebiotic
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'prebiotic.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near prebiotic
Cite this Entry
“Prebiotic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prebiotic. Accessed 15 Jul. 2024.
Copy CitationMedical 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
Josef Neu et al., The New England Journal of Medicine
prebiotically
adverb
-i-k(ə-)lē
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
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