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

"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

"The Human Flatus Atlas will establish objective baselines for gut microbial fermentation, which is essential groundwork for evaluating how dietary, probiotic or prebiotic interventions change microbiome activity."

From Science Daily

When Earle was contemplating a deal with Poppi—the prebiotic soda company that PepsiCo acquired for $1.95 billion last year—Berman and her team steered her toward an equity agreement.

From The Wall Street Journal

If COMs were embedded in their building materials from the start, then these worlds may also contain the molecular ingredients needed for prebiotic chemistry, including the formation of amino acids and nucleotides.

From Science Daily

Because glycine can form under a variety of chemical conditions, scientists often use it as a marker for early prebiotic chemistry.

From Science Daily