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

The company plans to expand into hydration, protein, collagen and other categories over time. — Kristi Dosh, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026

When collagen weakens or elastin loses its recoil, skin cannot fully retract to fit the smaller frame underneath. — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Charlotte Observer, 10 Aug. 2026

Why the two ingredients are not really rivals The framing of collagen versus hyaluronic acid misses what each is doing. — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Sacbee.com, 10 Aug. 2026

Which collagen peptides brands stand out Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides. — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Greek kolla + International Scientific Vocabulary -gen

First Known Use

circa 1865, in the meaning defined above

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