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protean

[ proh-tee-uhn, proh-tee- ]
/ ˈproʊ ti ən, proʊˈti- /
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See synonyms for protean on Thesaurus.com
adjective
readily assuming different forms or characters; extremely variable.
changeable in shape or form, as an amoeba.
(of an actor or actress) versatile; able to play many kinds of roles.
(initial capital letter) of, relating to, or suggestive of Proteus.
QUIZ
THINGAMABOB OR THINGUMMY: CAN YOU DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THE US AND UK TERMS IN THIS QUIZ?
Do you know the difference between everyday US and UK terminology? Test yourself with this quiz on words that differ across the Atlantic.
Question 1 of 7
In the UK, COTTON CANDY is more commonly known as…
candystring
candyfloss
candypuff
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Origin of protean

First recorded in 1590–1600; Prote(us) + -an

OTHER WORDS FROM protean

pro·te·an·ism, noun

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH protean

protean , protein
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Words related to protean

multifaceted, able, accomplished, adaptable, adroit, all-around, all-purpose, all-round, ambidextrous, conversant, dexterous, elastic, facile, functional, gifted, handy, ingenuous, many-sided, mobile, plastic

British Dictionary definitions for protean

protean
/ (prəʊˈtiːən, ˈprəʊtɪən) /
adjective
readily taking on various shapes or forms; variable

Word Origin for protean

C16: from Proteus
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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