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 Retinol truly deserves its own essay, but the short version is this: The vitamin A derivative boosts collagen production and increases the rate of cellular turnover. Sarah Y. Wu, Glamour, 8 Mar. 2024 These vibrant fruits are also rich in vitamin C, essential for collagen production, the protein responsible for maintaining skin elasticity and firmness. Daphne Ewing-Chow, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024 Additionally, French marine algae boosts collagen production, vitamin C brightens dark spots, argan oil improves skin elasticity, and squalane and coconut oils lock in moisture. Brigitt Earley, Allure, 28 Feb. 2024 Royal jelly is thought to be effective in moisturizing (again, a humectant) and even said to boost collagen production thanks to a hyper-specific acid (10-hydroxy-trans-2-decenoic, to be exact). Calin Van Paris, Vogue, 27 Feb. 2024 It’s designed to even skin tone and boost collagen production to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Anna Smoot, Rolling Stone, 23 Feb. 2024 For anti-aging purposes, retinol is unnecessary for those who haven't reached their twenties, which is when collagen begins to decrease, Dr. Danilo Del Campo, a dermatologist in Chicago, says. USA TODAY, 26 Jan. 2024 Red microalgae works to boost collagen production and reduce the appearance of fine lines while peptides and caffeine depuff and help improve dark circles. Macaela MacKenzie, Glamour, 17 Feb. 2024 This can also cause damage to the collagen fibers and other proteins that make up the eye, Chang added. Julia Landwehr, Health, 26 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'collagen.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near collagen

Cite this Entry

“Collagen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/collagen. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on collagen

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