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

Botanical collagen plumps and conditions lips with every wear, while passionfruit oil delivers a surge of moisture that keeps them soft throughout the day. —Jailynn Taylor, Allure, 10 May 2026

While each serving offers a solid 25g of protein, the inclusion of 10g of collagen adds to the value of the formula by aiding joint and skin health as well. —K.h. Koehler, USA Today, 8 May 2026

Beauty Pie also offers nutritional gummies, supplements, superfood and collagen powders in response to growing demand for wellness products. —Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 8 May 2026

This also helps the connective tissue break down to access collagen and gelatin. —Bestreviews, Mercury News, 7 May 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