: 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

Examples of collagen in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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There is little overlap between pre-workout supplements and collagen in terms of side effects, so most people can safely take them together. Megan Nunn, Verywell Health, 29 July 2026 Unlike popular skin boosters such as Rejuran, which prompt the skin to make more of its own elastin and collagen, Re2O supplies a structural scaffold rather than only signaling repair. Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 29 July 2026 The botanical blend works to trigger collagen and elasticity to hydrate and firm while adding radiance and visibly fading scars. Celia Shatzman, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026 Possible Improvements in Skin Health Vitamin C assists in the production of collagen. Anthea Levi, Health, 28 July 2026 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 1 Aug. 2026.

Kids Definition

collagen

noun
: 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
: 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

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