collagen
/ˈkɒlədʒ(ə)n
/noun [mass noun]
The main structural protein found in skin and other connective tissues, widely used in purified form for cosmetic surgical treatments: vitamin C plays a vital role in the formation of collagen [as modifier]: she was given a collagen injection to smooth out wrinkles in her forehead...
- Among these, collagen is the major structural protein and is the most abundant in the human body.
- The protein collagen is responsible for the tough qualities of connective tissue.
- Protein is crucial for the production of collagen and elastin, the protein fibres that keep skin supple and elastic
Origin
Mid 19th century: from French collagène, from Greek kolla 'glue' + French -gène (see -gen).