collagen

noun

col·​la·​gen ˈkä-lə-jən How to pronounce collagen (audio)
: 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 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.
The upward-scraping technique is meant to stimulate blood circulation, encourage collagen production, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, adds Yao. Kiana Murden, Vogue, 13 Mar. 2025 With a quick three-minute session, this LED device uses red light and near-infrared therapy to boost circulation, reduce inflammation, and stimulate collagen production, which helps with puffiness and gives your under-eyes a refreshed look. Siena Gagliano, Allure, 13 Mar. 2025 In another study, researchers found evidence that red-light therapy also stimulates collagen production, which reduces fine lines and wrinkles. Brigitt Earley, Glamour, 11 Mar. 2025 It’s made from the same biodegradable organic collagen fibre as its patented Synths®1. Jasmine Browley, Essence, 11 Mar. 2025 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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Cite this Entry

“Collagen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/collagen. Accessed 20 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

collagen

noun
col·​la·​gen ˈkäl-ə-jən How to pronounce collagen (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce collagen (audio)
: 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 adjective
collagenous adjective

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