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

These products have been shown to be effective at reducing the appearance of uneven skin tones and at decreasing levels of skin-damaging molecules while promoting the longevity of cells that produce structural molecules such as collagen. — Laura Payne, Encyclopedia Britannica, 14 July 2026

Botox, fillers, lasers, peels, collagen stimulators and other nonsurgical aesthetic procedures — treatments that are the focus of the UM course — are often performed by nurse practitioners, according to Campos. — Michelle Marchante july 10, Miami Herald, 10 July 2026

Skincare will always be about confidence as much as collagen, ritual as much as results and identity as much as ingredients. — Kate Hardcastle, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026

The pouches also come with 15g of collagen or 5g of creatine, depending on the consumer’s preference. — Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 9 July 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