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

Mini bars burst with silk eye covers, collagen masks, melatonin sprays and ear plugs, suggesting the bacchanalia Estelle encourages. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 May 2026

Food and beverage got an uplift in functional and non-alcoholic beverages, adding Poppi prebiotic soda, Bloom colostrum and collagen boosting drinks, Bero non-alcoholic beer from actor Tom Holland and 250 new items in Target’s exclusive Good & Gather grocery line. —Pamela N. Danziger, Forbes.com, 18 May 2026

Devices are marketed to stimulate collagen, reduce inflammation, improve wound healing, support hair growth and trigger endorphin release. —Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 May 2026

Beyond its role as an antioxidant, vitamin C is critical for the production of collagen, a protein that supports skin elasticity, wound healing, joint, and bone health. —Jillian Kubala, Health, 18 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