collagen

[kol-uh-juhn]

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.

collagen

/ 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

collagen

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.

Other Word Forms

• collagenous adjective
• collagenic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of collagen¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of collagen¹

C19: from Greek kolla glue + _-gen

Example Sentences

Another, with collagen, is meant to help people's skin.

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Dogs often go on high-protein diets and take supplements, like collagen, for nail strength and growth.

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Wounds treated in this way showed collagen fibers that were more orderly and better organized, creating a stronger support framework that helps the skin regain its strength and integrity.

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One reason is the perceived naturalness of foods from cows, including collagen and beef tallow.

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When it comes to collagen - how do you take yours?

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