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

This serum is packed with 15% vitamin C and a barrier boost complex that brightens, firms and supports collagen. —Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 25 Mar. 2026

To wit, retinol body serums are designed to extend those benefits from head to toe, doing everything from supporting collagen production to reducing bacne and improving overall skin texture. —Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 23 Mar. 2026

Together, these ingredients can leave skin looking smoother and more radiant, while also supporting collagen over time by encouraging healthier skin turnover. —Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 23 Mar. 2026

Maybe that includes a high-tech red-light device to stimulate collagen or upgrading your deodorant to something a little more luxe. —Grace McCarty, Glamour, 18 Mar. 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