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

While dermatologists love retinoids for stimulating collagen production, the experts warn they should be used in a particular way, especially in the summer. —Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 14 June 2025

During the wound-healing process, there's an increase in fibroblast activity, which revs up collagen production in the skin. —Caroline C. Boyle, USA Today, 14 June 2025

The first session primes the skin by hydrating from the inside and stimulating collagen production. —Bianca Salonga, Forbes.com, 12 June 2025

Two important molecules that make up this network are collagen and elastin. —Heidi Cope, Health, 29 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