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

The buttery stick shadow—which provides eight-hour wear—is infused with collagen to smooth and firm the eyelids. —Jenny Berg, Vogue, 21 Jan. 2025

Red light can penetrate deeply into the skin to boost the production of collagen and elastin, proteins that help to maintain skin’s strength and elasticity, said Dr. Akshay Sanan, a facial plastic surgeon in Boston. —Melinda Wenner Moyer, New York Times, 20 Jan. 2025

Optional Ingredients: Some recipes include cream of tartar (for additional potassium), coconut milk/cream, spices (like ginger), collagen powder, or other supplements. —Dominique Fluker, Essence, 20 Jan. 2025

Smoke and its pollutants also contribute to premature aging via inflammation and oxidative stress—damaging its collagen and elastin while accelerating the formation of fine lines, wrinkles and hyperpigmentation. —Jessica Ourisman, Forbes, 18 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Greek kolla + International Scientific Vocabulary -gen

First Known Use

circa 1865, in the meaning defined above

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