protean
UK /ˈpɹəʊ.tɪ.ən/ · US /ˈpɹoʊ.tɪ.ən/ adjective, noun
Forms proteans
- adjective Exceedingly variable; readily assuming different shapes or forms. “An amoeba is a protean animalcule.”
- noun (biochemistry) A protein that has been slightly modified by water, dilute acid, or enzymes, but not modified to the extent of a metaprotein.
- adjective (mythology) Of or relating to the god Proteus in Greek mythology.
- adjective (astronomy) Of or relating to the irregular Neptunian moon named for Proteus.
Synonyms
multiform polymorphic polymorphous shapeshifting chameleon chameleonic chameleonlike diverse multiversant pluriform variform
Etymology
From Proteus + -an, referring to the Greek warden of sea-beasts, renowned for his ability to change shape.
Webster’s 1913
- adjective Of or pertaining to Proteus; characteristic of Proteus. " Protean transformations." Cudworth.
- adjective Exceedingly variable; readily assuming different shapes or forms; as, an amoeba is a protean animalcule.
Sources: Wiktionary · Webster’s 1913 — from the Wiktionary entry “protean”, CC BY-SA 4.0. Details