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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Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 23 Jan. 2025
It is made of 100% whole grain, and contains 14 grams of protein and prebiotic fiber.
—Raven Brunner, People.com, 7 Jan. 2025
Emily Orofino, Vogue, 22 Jan. 2025
Prebiotic lotion: $40 A prebiotic lotion is nutrient-rich and is made with prebiotics.
—Christopher Murray, Fox News, 20 Jan. 2025
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Adjective
The brand's signature prebiotic thermal spring water is rich in selenium, a powerful natural antioxidant known for its soothing and protective properties.
—Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 23 Jan. 2025
It is made of 100% whole grain, and contains 14 grams of protein and prebiotic fiber.
—Raven Brunner, People.com, 7 Jan. 2025
Noun
Key Ingredients: Sodium hyaluronate, prebiotics, upcycled black grape pomace
SPF Type: Hybrid (octisalate 4.5%, octocrylene 5.0%, titanium dioxide 0.84%, zinc oxide 3.04%)
Broad-Spectrum: Yes
Finish: Dewy
Best Stick: Supergoop!
—Emily Orofino, Vogue, 22 Jan. 2025
Prebiotic lotion: $40 A prebiotic lotion is nutrient-rich and is made with prebiotics.
—Christopher Murray, Fox News, 20 Jan. 2025
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 11 Feb. 2025.
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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