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

In addition to the plumping voluform, the masks also include hyaluronic acid, collagen, and glycerin. — Essence Wiley, InStyle, 26 Aug. 2026

Collen says pescatarians can opt for marine collagen and ovo-vegetarians can look for collagen derived from egg membranes, but that may not be as widely available. — Audrey Noble, Vogue, 24 Aug. 2026

Consumers are most responding to product claims with messaging around collagen, glass skin, firming, glow and visible transformations. — Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 21 Aug. 2026

Smaller collagen fragments draw moisture to the skin, supporting the appearance of firmness and elasticity. — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 20 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