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.

As collagen production declines with age, that support breaks down, which is a key reason why skin gradually thins and develops fine lines and wrinkles. — Leslie Baumann, Miami Herald, 5 Aug. 2026 Unflavored collagen dissolves well in cold liquid, adding about 10 g of protein per scoop without impacting flavor. — Sarah Anzlovar, Verywell Health, 4 Aug. 2026 Lee likes the Sungboon Editor Deep Collagen Serum to give your skin collagen and volume support. — Audrey Noble, Vogue, 4 Aug. 2026 In humans and other vertebrates, aging hearts typically accumulate scar-like collagen deposits called fibrosis. — Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 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 Aug. 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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