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

Regular collagen is animal-based and provides the exact proteins your body needs. —Lindsay Curtis, Health, 14 Nov. 2025

The blend draws water to parched skin, soothes redness and boosts collagen. —Margaret Buranen, USA Today, 13 Nov. 2025

Citrus Juice Citrus fruits' rich vitamin C and antioxidant content can help promote collagen production. —Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 13 Nov. 2025

At around 149 degrees Fahrenheit (65°C), the heat causes collagen fibers to contract and tighten, while also triggering a wound-healing response that stimulates the production of new collagen over time. —Leslie Baumann, Miami Herald, 12 Nov. 2025

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