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.
These days, the healthy beverage of choice is more likely to be a protein-and-collagen smoothie or a matcha latte whipped with some sort of non-dairy milk. Lorena Meouchi, Vogue, 19 Sep. 2025 As an ingredient, collagen is growing into a dominant category, especially among women who demand visible, feelable results. Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 19 Sep. 2025 The lotion is rich in anti-aging ingredients, such as collagen to add plumpness and hyaluronic acid to boost hydration and radiance. Clara McMahon, PEOPLE, 19 Sep. 2025 Skin prep was key—hydrating masks from Neutrogena and Korean sheet masks with collagen or retinol kept her complexion plump before application. Larry Stansbury, Essence, 19 Sep. 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

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Cite this Entry

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