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

An eggshell is mostly comprised of calcium carbonate crystals embedded in a protein matrix, further bolstered by a thin collagen inner membrane. — Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 8 Sep. 2026

This face serum brightens and evens skin tone, fights free radicals, supports collagen production and softens the look of fine lines and wrinkles for glowing, healthy-looking skin. — ABC News, 7 Sep. 2026

Since then, studies have found that GHK-Cu stimulates collagen production and other compounds involved in skin remodeling, triggers the growth of new blood vessels and has anti-inflammatory effects. — Will Stone, NPR, 7 Sep. 2026

As its name suggests, the $20 find is formulated with collagen to fill pesky fine lines, wrinkles, and other visible signs of aging. — Kyra Surgent, InStyle, 5 Sep. 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