collagen

noun

col·​la·​gen ˈkä-lə-jən 

: any of a group of fibrous proteins that occur in vertebrates as the chief constituent of connective tissue fibrils and in bones and yield gelatin and glue upon boiling with water

collagenous

kə-ˈla-jə-nəs 

adjective

Examples of collagen in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This powder comes in a few delicious flavors—unflavored, strawberry lemon, vanilla, and chocolate—and is packed with vitamin C, which can support collagen synthesis to further boost effectiveness, according to Fazio. —Brianna Peters, Vogue, 6 Sep. 2025

Meanwhile, the Pro-Collagen Shot is like a handheld aesthetic booster, giving collagen-deficit eyes an instant and long-lasting lift. —Essence, 5 Sep. 2025

That’s not the case with this gentle toner from Renee Rouleau, which calls on antioxidant elderberry to neutralize free radicals (unstable molecules that can damage cells and contribute to aging), fight hyperpigmentation, and help promote collagen production. —Esme Benjamin, PEOPLE, 4 Sep. 2025

Traditional microneedling relies on metal rollers or electronic pens to physically puncture the skin and create tiny wounds that trigger collagen production. —Celia Shatzman, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Greek kolla + International Scientific Vocabulary -gen

First Known Use

circa 1865, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for collagen

• procollagen

Kids Definition

collagen

noun

col·​la·​gen ˈkäl-ə-jən 

: a protein that occurs in the form of fibers, does not dissolve, is found in connective tissue, and forms glue and gelatin upon boiling with water

Medical Definition

collagen

noun

col·​la·​gen ˈkäl-ə-jən 

: an insoluble fibrous protein of vertebrates that is the chief constituent of the fibrils of connective tissue (as in skin and tendons) and of the organic substance of bones and yields gelatin and glue on prolonged heating with water

collagenic

ˌkäl-ə-ˈjen-ik 

adjective

collagenous

kə-ˈlaj-ə-nəs 

adjective