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

Example Sentences

Scientists at the University of Otago, Faculty of Medicine -- Christchurch Ōtautahi, have identified a direct connection between how much vitamin C people eat and how well their skin produces collagen and renews itself.

From Science Daily

In arteries, it showed alternating collagen and elastin layers that support both strength and elasticity.

From Science Daily

Before treatment, the cells had been exposed to conditions that increased reactive oxygen species, which are molecules known to trigger inflammation and damage collagen.

From Science Daily

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

From BBC

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

From The Wall Street Journal