probiotic

noun

pro·​bi·​ot·​ic prō-bī-ˈä-tik 

-bē-ˈä-

: a microorganism (such as lactobacillus) that when consumed (as in a food or a dietary supplement) maintains or restores beneficial bacteria to the digestive tract

also : a product or preparation that contains such microorganisms compare prebiotic

probiotic adjective

Examples of probiotic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Miso is a good source of fiber, plant protein, and probiotics. —Lindsey Desoto, Health, 24 June 2025

This probiotic produces a compound known as SAM (S-adenosylmethionine), which helps regulate the body's internal clock and supports the production of melatonin, a hormone that promotes sleep. —Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 June 2025

There is a possibility that beneficial bacteria probiotics could be used alongside traditional chemotherapy medicine to create a more effective and targeted treatment for the notoriously difficult pancreatic cancer. —Stephanie Edwards, Discover Magazine, 13 June 2025

Support gut health: Eat fiber-rich foods and consider probiotics to maintain a healthy gut microbiome linked to thyroid function. —Patty Weasler, Verywell Health, 27 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

pro- entry 2 + -biotic (as in antibiotic)

First Known Use

1974, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for probiotic

• abiotic
• aeronautic
• apoptotic
• asymptotic
• cyanotic
• eukaryotic
• idiotic
• meiotic
• patriotic
• prebiotic
• prokaryotic
• semiotic

Medical Definition

probiotic

noun

pro·​bi·​ot·​ic prō-bī-ˈät-ik, -bē- 

: a microorganism (such as lactobacillus or bifidobacterium) that when consumed (as in a food or a dietary supplement) maintains or restores beneficial bacteria to the digestive tract

also : a product or preparation that contains such microorganisms compare prebiotic

probiotic adjective