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

The creamy formula blends a triple collagen complex with hyaluronic acid to deeply moisturize, plus elastin and shea butter help soften and increase bounciness. —Deanna Pai, Glamour, 11 Dec. 2025

One of the most prominent examples is CollaSel, the group’s producer of hydrolyzed collagen peptides. —Jon Stojan, USA Today, 10 Dec. 2025

There is not as much research on whether collagen from food sources is better than collagen supplements. —Sara Hoffman, Verywell Health, 9 Dec. 2025

Collagen is found in connective tissue, including cartilage and tendons, so cuts of beef that are tougher (and usually less expensive) are better sources of collagen. —Carrie Madormo, Health, 9 Dec. 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