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

The idea behind including probiotics in some of these products is that, theoretically, ingesting bacteria that contain enzymes that destroy acetaldehyde in the stomach may help prevent hangover symptoms. —Stacey Colino, Time, 22 Aug. 2025

Early research suggests probiotics may help balance cortisol levels. —Lindsey Desoto, Health, 20 Aug. 2025

Anti-inflammatory diets vary, but most of them focus on nutrients that are known for reducing inflammation such as omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and gut-healthy foods rich in fiber, probiotics, and prebiotics. —Lorena Meouchi, Vogue, 15 Aug. 2025

Both prebiotics and probiotics can increase immunoglobulin A (IgA). —Jessica Swirble, Verywell Health, 5 Aug. 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