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

With the estrogen dips in perimenopause and menopause, skin can becoming dryer and thinner because of lower hyaluronic acid, collagen and elastin, especially. —Mara Santilli, Flow Space, 22 May 2025

This formula also contains green microalgae to further boost collagen and elastin, plus hydrating, smoothing flaxseed. —Kristin Canning, SELF, 8 May 2025

According to Few, this mix allows for deeper penetration and triggers the body to build its own growth factors supporting collagen and elastin production. —Emily Burns, Footwear News, 7 May 2025

Beets also contain betaine, which helps stimulate collagen production and strengthen the skin’s resiliency. —Tiffany Leigh, Forbes.com, 6 May 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