prebiotic

American  

[pree-bahy-ot-ik] / ˌpri baɪˈɒt ɪk /

adjective

1. Also existing or occurring before life, or serving as a precursor to it.

   These molecules played a critical role in the prebiotic evolution of life.

   Even if habitable conditions existed only briefly, relics of prebiotic chemistry or rudimentary life still might remain.

2. being, having, or relating to a substance containing dietary fiber that stimulates the growth or activity of beneficial bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract.

   Oats contain the prebiotic fiber beta-glucan.

   Prebiotic food sources include bananas, leeks, onions, chicory, asparagus, and artichoke.

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noun

1. a substance containing dietary fiber that stimulates the growth or activity of beneficial bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract.

   Our group has begun to develop strategies for incorporating prebiotics into convenience foods.

prebiotic British  

/ ˌpriːbaɪˈɒtɪk /

adjective

1. occurring or existing before the emergence of life

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Etymology

Origin of prebiotic

First recorded in 1950–55 prebiotic for def. 1, 1990–95 prebiotic for def. 2; pre- ( def. ) + biotic ( def. )

Example Sentences

"We're seeing the building blocks for life -- prebiotic chemistry on Mars -- preserved in these rocks for billions of years."

From Barron's • Apr. 21, 2026

Americans with six-figure salaries are increasingly visiting Walmart for prebiotic soda and Dollar Tree for wrapping paper.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 18, 2026

"Think of it like a continuous glucose monitor, but for intestinal gas," Hall said, explaining that the device detected increased hydrogen production after participants consumed inulin, a prebiotic fiber.

From Science Daily • Mar. 14, 2026

Coca-Cola offers “gut healthy” prebiotic soda and zero-sugar drinks; it also sells a “better-for-you” dairy shake with more protein and less sugar than regular milk, called Fairlife.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 7, 2026

Originally, in the time of prebiotic elaboration of peptides and nucleotides from inorganic ingredients in the water on the earth, there was nothing to shield out ultraviolet radiation except the water itself.

From "The Lives of a Cell" by Lewis Thomas