protean
[proh-tee-uh n, proh-tee-]
- 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.
Show More
Origin of protean
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
protean
- readily taking on various shapes or forms; variable
Show More
Word Origin
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
Word Origin and History for proteanism
Protean
adj.
1590s, from Greek Proteus, sea god (son of Oceanus and Tethys) who could change his form; his name is literally "first," from protos "first" (see proto-).
Show More
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
protean
(prō′tē-ən, prō-tē′-)- Readily taking on varied shapes, forms, or meanings.
Show More
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.