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 Web
Justin Fenner, Robb Report, 12 May 2025
May Support the Gut Microbiome Research suggests that dark chocolate has a prebiotic effect and restructures the diversity and composition of the gut microbiome, which plays a vital role in disease and overall health.5
5.
—Ann Pietrangelo, Verywell Health, 14 Apr. 2025
Natalia Senanayake, People.com, 29 May 2025
Lombardo: Beverages are a great form factor for prebiotics because they’re consumed regularly.
—Dave Knox, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025
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Adjective
Hydrating prebiotic pentavitin and soothing botanicals help harmonize the scalp ahead of each wash, and keep things like itching, flaking, and irritation at bay.
—Justin Fenner, Robb Report, 12 May 2025
May Support the Gut Microbiome Research suggests that dark chocolate has a prebiotic effect and restructures the diversity and composition of the gut microbiome, which plays a vital role in disease and overall health.5
5.
—Ann Pietrangelo, Verywell Health, 14 Apr. 2025
Noun
The gummy bears are made with ingredients including fruits and veggies, antioxidants, prebiotics and more than 20 vitamins and minerals.
—Natalia Senanayake, People.com, 29 May 2025
Lombardo: Beverages are a great form factor for prebiotics because they’re consumed regularly.
—Dave Knox, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for prebiotic
Cite this Entry
“Prebiotic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prebiotic. Accessed 19 Jun. 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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