collagen

American  

[kol-uh-juhn] / ˈkɒl ə dʒən /

noun

Biochemistry.

1. any of a class of extracellular proteins abundant in higher animals, especially in the skin, bone, cartilage, tendon, and teeth, forming strong insoluble fibers and serving as connective tissue between cells, yielding gelatin when denatured by boiling.

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collagen British  

/ ˈkɒlədʒən, ˌkɒləˈdʒɛnɪk, kəˈlædʒənəs /

noun

1. a fibrous scleroprotein of connective tissue and bones that is rich in glycine and proline and yields gelatine on boiling

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collagen Scientific  

/ kŏl′ə-jən /

1. Any of various tough, fibrous proteins found in bone, cartilage, skin, and other connective tissue. Collagens have great tensile strength, and provide these body structures with the ability to withstand forces that stretch them. Collagens consist of three polypeptide chains arranged in a triple helix, and are bundled together in fibers. When boiled in water, collagen is converted into gelatin.

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Other Word Forms

• collagenic adjective
• collagenous adjective

Etymology

Origin of collagen

First recorded in 1860–65; from Greek kólla “glue” + -gen

Explanation

Collagen is a protein that keeps your bones strong and allows your skin to stretch and heal after injuries. One of the reasons we get wrinkles as we age is because we gradually lose collagen. Collagen is the most common protein in all mammals, including humans, and it's an important one, as it helps keep us strong and healthy. The word comes from a Greek root, kolla that means "glue." Most collagen is found in the connective tissue between our bones, and its loss can result in achy joints. Some people believe that taking collagen supplements (made from tissue and bones of animals) can improve their health and reduce this pain.

Example Sentences

In test tube studies, bone forming cells quickly moved into the structured hydrogel and began producing collagen, a key building block of bone.

From Science Daily • Mar. 3, 2026

Taking daily collagen supplements can rejuvenate the skin by boosting elasticity and hydration or moisture - but it won't stop wrinkles, says a new scientific review.

From BBC • Feb. 26, 2026

The researchers from Anglia Ruskin University stress that many of the studies conducted with supplements have been funded by the supplement industry, and that "bold claims" have been made about collagen anti-ageing benefits.

From BBC • Feb. 26, 2026

"Oral collagen supplements are not currently recommended to treat skin aging, although they can be considered along with other more effective and well studied interventions."

From Science Daily • Jan. 29, 2026

For over a week I pored over electron micrographs of muscle and collagen fibers, looking for hints of helices.

From "Double Helix" by James D. Watson