noun

probiotic

proh-by-OT-ik

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Probiotic (noun) means a live micro-organism, usually a bacterium or yeast, taken in food or as a supplement in the expectation that it will have some effect once inside the body. The term is also used for the food or capsule containing such organisms. Example: “The yoghurt was sold as a probiotic.”

noun

A live micro-organism, usually a bacterium or yeast, taken in food or as a supplement in the expectation that it will have some effect once inside the body. The term is also used for the food or capsule containing such organisms.

"The yoghurt was sold as a probiotic."

"He kept the probiotic in the fridge because the label said to."

marketing In cosmetics marketing, an ingredient described as probiotic, which may be live cultures, dead bacterial cells or extracts of them. The labelling term is not tightly defined in this context.

"The cream claimed a probiotic complex in its ingredient list."

adjective

Containing or relating to such live micro-organisms.

"a probiotic drink"

"The shelf was stocked with probiotic yoghurts and fermented vegetables."

How to use probiotic

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishLive bacteria or yeast eaten in food or capsules.

When to use it

Everyday word in food retail and health writing; regulated claims about probiotics differ substantially between countries.

Memory tip

The pro- and anti- prefixes mark the contrast: an antibiotic acts against micro-organisms, a probiotic is one.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

prebiotic postbiotic antibiotic → synbiotic

Common pairings

probiotic supplement probiotic yoghurt live probiotic cultures probiotic strain

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

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Can you complete this real example?

The yoghurt was sold as a _____.

Etymology

From pro- meaning for or in favour of, and Greek biotikos, meaning pertaining to life; formed as a counterpart to antibiotic.

Origin: English

Synonyms

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live culture friendly bacteria cultured supplement

Antonyms

antibiotic

Related words

antibiotic

Rhymes for probiotic

biotic exotic erotic robotic chaotic idiotic neurotic narcotic hypnotic amniotic patriotic symbiotic

See all rhymes for probiotic →

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a probiotic and a prebiotic?

A probiotic is the live micro-organism itself. A prebiotic is a food component, usually a type of fibre, that the micro-organisms already present in the gut can feed on. One supplies organisms, the other supplies their food.

Are all fermented foods probiotic?

No. Fermentation is done by micro-organisms, but many fermented foods are then heated, pasteurised or baked, which kills them. Bread and most shop-bought sauerkraut in tins are fermented without containing live cultures at the point of eating.

What does the strain name on a probiotic label mean?

It identifies the specific organism, usually as genus, species and a strain code, for example Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG. Different strains within the same species are distinct organisms and are studied separately.

What is the meaning of probiotic?

"probiotic" (noun) means a live micro-organism, usually a bacterium or yeast, taken in food or as a supplement in the expectation that it will have some effect once inside the body. The term is also used for the food or capsule containing such organisms.

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