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 dual-purpose sunscreen serum helps boost collagen production and features a UV filter that’s five times stronger than typical sunscreen formulas. —Colleen Sullivan, InStyle, 10 Jan. 2026

Soft wave laser for skin tightening and chin collagen threads have also been a part of her routine, while she's left fillers in the past. —Michelle Lee, PEOPLE, 7 Jan. 2026

Carreño adds chicken wings and feet to make a collagen-rich broth and enhance the soup’s benefits even more. —Senior Food Editor, Los Angeles Times, 4 Jan. 2026

Its triterpenes support collagen synthesis and neutralize free radicals—two actions that help soften the look of fine lines and maintain a smoother, more resilient complexion. —Alice Abbiadati, Vogue, 3 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