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noun

collagen

KO-luhd-zhuhn

Collagen (noun) means a tough, fibrous protein that gives structure to skin, bones, tendons, and other connective tissue in animals. Example: “Collagen levels in the skin naturally decline with age.”

noun
1
A tough, fibrous protein that gives structure to skin, bones, tendons, and other connective tissue in animals.
"Collagen levels in the skin naturally decline with age."
"The supplement claims to boost collagen production."

How to Use Collagen

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA key structural protein in skin, joints, and bones, often marketed in supplements and skincare.

Common pairings
collagen production collagen supplement

Word Forms

collagens plural

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Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

_____ levels in the skin naturally decline with age.

Etymology

From French collagène, built from Greek kolla ("glue") and -genes ("producing") — it's the substance animal-based glue was traditionally made from.

Origin: French

Rhymes for collagen

See all rhymes for collagen →

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “collagen” mean?

The word “collagen” means a tough, fibrous protein that gives structure to skin, bones, tendons, and other connective tissue in animals. In plain terms, a key structural protein in skin, joints, and bones, often marketed in supplements and skincare.

How do you pronounce “collagen”?

“Collagen” is pronounced KO-luhd-zhuhn (/ˈkɒləd͡ʒən/ in IPA).

How do you use “collagen” in a sentence?

Here is “collagen” used in a sentence: “Collagen levels in the skin naturally decline with age.”

What part of speech is “collagen”?

“Collagen” is a noun.

Where does the word “collagen” come from?

The word “collagen” comes from French. From French collagène, built from Greek kolla ("glue") and -genes ("producing") — it's the substance animal-based glue was traditionally made from.

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial