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
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Adam Hurly, Robb Report, 29 Oct. 2024
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
Jonathan Limehouse, USA TODAY, 13 June 2024
Dark chocolate provides nutrients that are known to benefit the gut, such as prebiotics.
—Jillian Kubala, Health, 28 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for prebiotic 
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Adjective
These four prebiotic deodorant sprays offer new applications on their trio of best-selling (and best-smelling) roll-on deodorants, while also offering a new scent (Pomelo).
—Adam Hurly, Robb Report, 29 Oct. 2024
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
Noun
The limited amount of prebiotics in these sodas has caused at least one consumer to not only question the companies selling the drinks but even take legal action.
—Jonathan Limehouse, USA TODAY, 13 June 2024
Dark chocolate provides nutrients that are known to benefit the gut, such as prebiotics.
—Jillian Kubala, Health, 28 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for prebiotic
Dictionary Entries Near prebiotic
Cite this Entry
“Prebiotic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prebiotic. Accessed 22 Nov. 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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