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

The probiotics within are thought to balance the skin's microbiome, thus reducing redness, shrinking pores, and minimizing breakouts. —Deanna Pai, Vogue, 14 Feb. 2025

Depending on your environment, fermentation time and ingredients used, every sourdough starter will develop a unique microbiome complete with lactic acid bacteria and probiotics. —Samantha Husted, Charlotte Observer, 10 Feb. 2025

Other remedies, like tea tree oil, coconut oil, and probiotics, may also improve symptoms. —Heidi Cope, Health, 4 Feb. 2025

Regularly taking probiotics may improve your scalp health and dandruff symptoms. —Heidi Cope, Health, 4 Feb. 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