Etymology From Proteus + -an, referrring to the Greek warden of sea-beasts, renowned for his ability to change shape.
1
Exceedingly variable; readily assuming different shapes or forms.
An amoeba is a protean animalcule.
Virus infection of the blood and bone marrow is probably responsible for all forms of the disease. The viral theory of origin accounts for the protean manifestations of the condition.1954 February 15, Henry E. Michelson, “The Syndrome of Lupus Erythematosus”, in Modern Medicine, volume 22, number 4, Minneapolis, Minn.: Modern Medicine Publications, Inc., page 96:
4 more examples
[…] the word's protean expressiveness has been observed in a xeroxlore item printed in Robert Anton Wilson's Playboy's Book of Forbidden Words […]1980, Gershon Legman, The New Limerick:
Nickolas Ashford and Valerie Simpson, that protean creative duo, have worn many faces and played many roles over the years.1984, “Recording of Special Merit”, in Hi Fi/stereo Review, volume 49, Ziff-Davis Publishing Company, page 80:
He loved to show off his protean talent.1987, William A. Henry III, Time Magazine, volume 129:
In the intervening decades she has become a protean figure, an emblem of different things to different people, depending upon their viewpoint — a visionary, a victim, a martyr, a feminist icon, a schizophrenic, a virago, a prisoner of gender — or, perhaps, a genius, as both Plath and Hughes maintained during her lifetime.2020 October 27, Daphne Merkin, “Shifting the Focus From Sylvia Plath’s Tragic Death to Her Brilliant Life”, in The New York Times Book Review, New York, N.Y.: The New York Times Company, →ISSN, →OCLC:
2
Alternative letter-case form of Protean: of or relating to Proteus.
Etymology From Proteus + -an, referrring to the Greek warden of sea-beasts, renowned for his ability to change shape.
1
Biochemistry, Biology, Chemistry, Microbiology, Natural sciences, Physical sciences A protein that has been slightly modified by water, dilute acid, or enzymes, but not modified to the extent of a metaprotein.
Related terms
Protea
Protean
adj
/ˈproʊtiən/
1
Human sciences, Mysticism, Mythology, Philosophy, Sciences Of or relating to the god Proteus in Greek mythology.
2
Astronomy, Natural sciences Of or relating to the irregular Neptunian moon named for Proteus.