collagen

noun

col·​la·​gen ˈkä-lə-jən How to pronounce collagen (audio)
: 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 adjective

Examples of collagen in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Most healthcare providers recommend eating foods that boost your body's natural collagen production. Sherri Gordon, Health, 8 Jan. 2025 These types of at-home masks are massively popular among skincare enthusiasts to address a range of issues like acne, fine lines, and uneven skin tone, as well as boost collagen production. Victoria Song, The Verge, 7 Jan. 2025 One doctor on Instagram even said that using prescription vaginal estrogen cream on your face can increase collagen production and minimize dryness. Erica Sweeney, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2025 This dryness-fighting blend also reduces oxidative stress, stimulates collagen production, and increases cell turnover to brighten and smooth. Nicol Natale, People.com, 7 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for collagen 

Word History

Etymology

Greek kolla + International Scientific Vocabulary -gen

First Known Use

circa 1865, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of collagen was circa 1865

Dictionary Entries Near collagen

Cite this Entry

“Collagen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/collagen. Accessed 20 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

collagen

noun
col·​la·​gen ˈkäl-ə-jən How to pronounce collagen (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce collagen (audio)
: 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 adjective
collagenous adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on collagen

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