prebiotic

1 of 2

adjective

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

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.

2

: of, relating to, or being a prebiotic

… next-generation probiotic microbes administered along with the appropriate prebiotic nutrients to nourish them.

—Michael Pollan

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

Prebiotics are naturally found in certain fruits, vegetables, and herbs, including artichoke, asparagus, bananas, chicory, garlic, and onions.

—Andrew Weil

compare probiotic

Examples of prebiotic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Each version, made up of prebiotic guar granules, can contain a unique combination of 120 antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients, amino acids and prebiotic fiber. —Emily Burns, WWD, 22 Oct. 2024

In the absence of the modern proteins that make copies of genes inside cells, the prebiotic world would have relied on simple chemical reactions between nucleotides – the building blocks of genetic material – to make copies of RNA. —Discover Magazine, 17 Oct. 2024

Noun

Some probiotics have prebiotics added, and some contain lactose. —Lainey Younkin, Ms, Rd, Health, 16 Sep. 2024

Fibrous foods and phytonutrients existing in fruit, veg and herbs are a great source of prebiotics. —Tracy Achonwa, Vogue, 13 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

pre- + biotic

First Known Use

Adjective

1954, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1995, in the meaning defined above

Medical 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

prebiotically

-i-k(ə-)lē

adverb

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