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 containing marine collagen sourced from fish, this powder features vitamin C from acerola cherry and silicon from bamboo, the latter of which helps provide strength and structure to hair, skin, and nails. —Emily Orofino, Vogue, 4 Mar. 2026

People are also indulging in a bid to improve their skin with the high collagen content. —Will Barker, TheWeek, 2 Mar. 2026

Olay Super Serum Body Wash for Normal Skin Olay Super Serum Body Wash is formulated with ingredients such as vitamin E, collagen peptide, vitamin C, niacinamide, and BHA, which combine to create a powerful formula that hydrates, firms, brightens, evens, and smooths the skin. —Claire West, Parents, 27 Feb. 2026

Its star ingredient, matrixyl, is a blend of peptides that support your skin’s natural collagen production with long-term anti-aging results that target deeper lines and wrinkles. —Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 27 Feb. 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