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 pure retinol, which helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, this unique product features retinyl palmitate, an antioxidant-rich skin protectant, as well as retinyl acetate, a natural form of vitamin A that keeps pores clean while stimulating collagen production. —Michelle Baricevic, InStyle, 14 Jan. 2026

The serum also features a complex of five peptides to help firm skin, support collagen, and soften the appearance of fine lines, along with niacinamide to brighten uneven tone, and adenosine to smooth and strengthen overall skin structure. —Iman Balagam, Vogue, 14 Jan. 2026

Stretch marks form when skin expands quickly, and pregnancy hormones affect collagen and elasticity, making consistent, nourishing moisture especially important. —Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 12 Jan. 2026

Further to that, the team also made good use of gelatin (the same protein in collagen). —Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 11 Jan. 2026

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