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: Compare prebiotic ( def 3 ).

   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

Peixoto and her colleagues plan to move beyond the aquarium, starting experiments in mid-August in to see whether probiotics can help wild corals.

From Science News

With the exception of probiotics, I don’t find the evidence for any of them convincing—but it’s a very hard topic to study in the lab, so I can’t rule it out either.

From Outside Online

While the jar is efficient for making any kind of pickle, it’s especially useful for lacto-fermented vegetables in salt brine, which gives the pickles a more complex tang and infuses them with beneficial probiotics.

From Eater

Other studies found that probiotic treatments can help restore depression or anxiety in mice, leading to a “gold rush” to start treating the brain with carefully-engineered yogurt slushies.

From Singularity Hub 

Raw, organic, unfiltered vinegar is packed with probiotics and will make for the most active fermentation.

From Eater

But is it possible that there could be a “probiotic” that causes weight loss?

From The Daily Beast

If you have bad breath, gingivitis or periodontitis …A probiotic lozenge or mouthwash might be your best bet.

From The Daily Beast

With some help from the experts, we put together this guide to help you find the right probiotic for you.

From The Daily Beast

The most common probiotic bacteria come from two genus groups: Lactobacillus or Bifidobacterium, although there are many others.

From The Daily Beast

When this happens, adding an extra dose of good bacteria from a probiotic supplement helps bring harmony back to the belly.

From The Daily Beast