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
Amelia Lucas, CNBC, 24 Apr. 2025
As well as a nitrogen-rich atmosphere, rain, lakes and oceans of liquid methane, shorelines, valleys, mountain ridges, icy boulders, mesas and dunes, Titan also hosts weird prebiotic chemistry that could be the building blocks of life itself.
—Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 19 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
See All Example Sentences for prebiotic
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Adjective
The company also recently bought Poppi, a prebiotic soda brand.
—Amelia Lucas, CNBC, 24 Apr. 2025
As well as a nitrogen-rich atmosphere, rain, lakes and oceans of liquid methane, shorelines, valleys, mountain ridges, icy boulders, mesas and dunes, Titan also hosts weird prebiotic chemistry that could be the building blocks of life itself.
—Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 19 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 9 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share