collagen
UK[ˈkɒlədʒən]US[ˈkɑːlədʒən]
n
A protein substance in the body that forms strong, insoluble fibres and is a major constituent of connective tissue, bone, and cartilage.
Morpheme Breakdown
colla
gen
colla
glue
gen
producing
Etymology
The word 'collagen' is a direct borrowing from the French 'collagène', which was itself constructed from Greek roots to describe a fundamental biological substance. It combines 'kólla' (glue) with '-genēs' (producing) to literally mean "glue-producing." This etymology reflects the early observation that boiling collagen-rich tissues, like animal hides and bones, yields gelatin, a sticky, glue-like substance. Thus, the modern scientific term for the structural protein retains this ancient, descriptive logic, connecting its literal glue-making property to its crucial role in holding the body's tissues together.
Analysis
Structure: colla (glue) + gen (producing)
'Colla' originates from the Greek word 'kólla', meaning 'glue'. 'Gen' originates from the Greek suffix '-genēs', meaning 'born of, producing'.
Examples
Collagen provides strength and elasticity to the skin.
The treatment is designed to stimulate collagen production.
As we age, the body's natural collagen breaks down.