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

Why Skin Can Change After 50 Skin changes after 50 often due to collagen and elastin break down, oil production drops, and skin cell turnover slows. — Miami Herald, 1 Oct. 2026

The light targets mitochondria at the cellular level, which supports collagen production, reduces inflammation and promotes tissue repair. — Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 29 Sep. 2026

The slim, cordless device emits red and near-infrared light at wavelengths ranging from 625 to 850 nanometers to support collagen production and, with consistent use, help soften the look of fine lines, dullness, and loss of firmness. — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 29 Sep. 2026

Harnessing the brand’s Siren technology, the compound works by reducing fluid accumulation in the skin while supporting collagen production. — Jenny Berg, Vogue, 28 Sep. 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