probiotic

[proh-bahy-ot-ik]

noun

1. a food, usually dairy, or a dietary supplement containing live bacteria that replace or add to the beneficial bacteria normally present in the gastrointestinal tract.

   This chewable probiotic is packed with 10 billion live cultures.

2. a bacterium in a food or dietary supplement that replaces or adds to the beneficial bacteria normally present in the gastrointestinal tract.

   The probiotic in this product is a close cousin of brewer's yeast.

adjective

1. being or relating to a food or dietary supplement containing live bacteria that replace or add to the beneficial bacteria normally present in the gastrointestinal tract.

   The doctor recommended a probiotic yogurt drink for my stomach problems.

probiotic

/ ˌprəʊbaɪˈɒtɪk /

noun

1. a harmless bacterium that helps to protect the body from harmful bacteria

2. a substance that encourages the growth of natural healthy bacteria in the gut

adjective

1. of or relating to probiotics

   probiotic yogurt

Word History and Origins

Origin of probiotic¹

First recorded in 1950-55; pro- ¹ + biotic, modeled on antibiotic

Word History and Origins

Origin of probiotic¹

C20: from _pro- ¹ + ( _anti ) _biotic

Example Sentences

"They're the same kinds of good bacteria we pay for in probiotics or drinks," Willis explains.

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But now, not only do people know what it is, but people are eating it, understanding the probiotic qualities that it has.

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However, the long-term ambition is to come up with microbial therapies – like a probiotic yogurt – that could be given to babies to set their microbiomes on a healthy path.

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That understanding sparked a boom in probiotics science and a multibillion dollar probiotics industry.

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And I take a little probiotic because I am 48.

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