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

These include the Triple Collagen Cream from Medicube, which features a blend of shea butter, elastin, and collagen to firm and lift sagging skin. —Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 8 June 2026

The meta-analysis in the Aesthetic Surgery Journal also found that collagen supplementation improved muscle architecture and led to a modest gain in muscle strength. —Stacey Colino, Time, 8 June 2026

Its benefits are enhanced when combined with the collagen and niacinamide that are also baked into the formula. —Essence Wiley, InStyle, 6 June 2026

Try feeding your dog Yumyum Social Frozen Yogurt Dog Treats if their hips and joints need a supplement boost, as this ice cream cup is made with collagen and turmeric. —Bestreviews, Mercury News, 2 June 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