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

Microcurrent facials deliver electrical currents superficially mainly to the facial muscles to lift and increase circulation, while radiofrequency works deeper to encourage long-term collagen production. —Bea McMonagle, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025

This pick contains retinol, the gold standard for promoting cell turnover and boosting collagen production. —Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 28 Feb. 2025

One study found that men who took 15 grams of collagen peptides daily within 60 minutes after resistance training experienced significantly greater increases in muscle mass and strength than men who took a placebo. 6. —Jillian Kubala, Rd, Health, 25 Feb. 2025

These combine to diminish fine lines and spur collagen production, simultaneously depuffing and modifying the condition. —Kiana Murden, Vogue, 21 Feb. 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