: a subunit of collagen fibrils consisting of three polypeptide strands arranged in a helix

Word History

Etymology

tropo- + collagen

First Known Use

1954, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of tropocollagen was in 1954

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Cite this Entry

“Tropocollagen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tropocollagen. Accessed 31 Mar. 2025.

Medical Definition

: a subunit of collagen fibrils consisting of three polypeptide strands arranged in a helix

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