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

Beets also contain betaine, which helps stimulate collagen production and strengthen the skin’s resiliency. —Tiffany Leigh, Forbes.com, 6 May 2025

Over time, though, is when the real magic happens: growth factor-mimicking peptides penetrate the skin (10 times deeper than a true growth factor could, by the way) to trigger collagen production. —Emily Orofino, Vogue, 6 May 2025

At the three-month mark, my skin visibly looked more glowy, likely thanks to the increase of collagen production. —Perrie Samotin, Glamour, 3 May 2025

Nothing goes to waste, so the collagen mask is applied to the hands while finishing products are applied. —Lawrence Yee, People.com, 1 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