collagen

[ kol-uh-juhn ]

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.

collagen

/ 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

collagen

/ 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.

Derived Forms

• collagenic, adjective

Other Words From

• col·lag·e·nous [k, uh, -, laj, -, uh, -n, uh, s], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of collagen¹

First recorded in 1860–65; from Greek kólla “glue” + -gen

Word History and Origins

Origin of collagen¹

C19: from Greek kolla glue + -gen

Example Sentences

They produce and organize the so-called extracellular matrix, a network of proteins such as collagen, which makes the tissue stable and elastic, but also perform many other tasks.

From Science Daily

People who have had hysterectomies, and people with conditions like obesity or Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, which affects collagen and makes tissues stretchier, are at a higher risk.

From Salon

“It’s something about irregular collagen in three parts of the body: your kidneys, inner ear, and eyes,” Michael said.

From Salon

However, collagen protein — a supplement heavily marketed towards older adults — did nothing to bolster muscle-building in our older adults, as a previous study also found.

From Salon

The smoothie, formally named Hailey Bieber's Strawberry Glaze Skin Smoothie, contains almond milk, vanilla collagen and organic produce, including strawberries, bananas, dates and avocados.

From Salon