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 Hydro-Screen Hydration Serum with Hyaluronic Acid & Retinol is an ultra-versatile serum that hydrates, moisturizes, repairs, restores and helps to boost collagen production on the face, neck and even your hands. —Tory Johnson, ABC News, 28 Apr. 2026

These devices also do not have precise depth targeting as in-office devices to really stimulate collagen for noticeable differences in your skin. —Audrey Noble, Vogue, 28 Apr. 2026

Its star ingredient, matrixyl, is a blend of peptides that support your skin’s natural collagen production with long-term anti-aging results that target deeper lines and wrinkles. —Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 28 Apr. 2026

There are countless protein powders, including ones made from plant protein (pea, soy, hemp, brown rice) and ones made from animal products (whey, casein, egg white, collagen). —Maggie Donahue, Health, 28 Apr. 2026

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