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

Look forward to a blend of ingredients (including rosehip, sea buckthorn, and pomegranate) that reduces oil, fades dark spots, and increases collagen production. —Ruby McAuliffe, InStyle, 21 Jan. 2026

This is a gradual self-tanning lotion that helps reduce the appearance of cellulite with ingredients such as collagen, elastin and caffeine from green tea. —Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 21 Jan. 2026

Each serving of the protein powder-like Rock the Shot product is 130 calories and has 20 grams of protein to support muscle and metabolic health, 5 grams of collagen for hair and skin and 5 grams of fiber for the gut and microbiome. —Max Scheinblum, Denver Post, 20 Jan. 2026

Adding collagen powder to coffee is a good way to increase your protein intake. —Sarah Anzlovar, Verywell Health, 20 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