prebiotic
Americanadjective
-
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.
-
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.
noun
adjective
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
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
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
The most effective was a synbiotic, defined as a mix of naturally fermented kefir and a broad prebiotic fiber blend.
From Science Daily
When kefir, which is rich in live microbes, is paired with diverse prebiotic fiber, the result is a synbiotic effect.
From Science Daily
The researchers propose what they call a "prebiotic gel-first" framework.
From Science Daily
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
