# collagen

/ˈkɑɫəɡən/ (US) · /kˈɒleɪdʒən/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/collagen
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

a strong protein in your body that helps keep your skin, hair, and bones healthy. It acts like a glue that holds everything together and makes your skin look firm.

For teachers: a fibrous structural protein found in the connective tissue, skin, and bones of mammals. It provides tensile strength and elasticity to various biological structures.

## Examples

- Your body produces less collagen as you get older.
- Many skincare products claim to boost collagen production to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
- The structural integrity of the extracellular matrix depends heavily on the density and arrangement of collagen fibers, which provide the necessary scaffolding for cellular growth.

## Usage notes

- Usually uncountable when referring to the protein in general; countable when referring to specific biochemical types.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.