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

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.

Other supplements come in gelatin capsules, made from collagen derived from cow and pig bones and hides, or mixed with dairy binders such as lactose and sodium caseinate. — Burkhard Bilger, New Yorker, 29 June 2026 As its name suggests, the now-$14 find is formulated with collagen to fill pesky fine lines, wrinkles, and other visible signs of aging. — Kyra Surgent, InStyle, 28 June 2026 These specialized cells multiply and close up wounds to reduce the risk of infection, threading the site with stiff strings of collagen and fibronectin for extra support. — Mike McRae 28, New Atlas, 28 June 2026 Some of our favorite Prime Day deals include the viral Laneige lip mask that’s currently at its lowest price ever, collagen sheet masks that are a travel essential, pimple patches, and under-eye treatments that refresh your routine without a trip to the spa. — Alexandra Emanuelli, Southern Living, 26 June 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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Browse Nearby Words

collage

collagen

collagenase

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Collagen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/collagen. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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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

collagen

noun

Examples of collagen in a Sentence

Word History

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

Medical Definition

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