protean

[proh-tee-uh n, proh-tee-]

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.

Origin of protean

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

Related formspro·te·an·ism, noun

Can be confusedprotean protein

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

British Dictionary definitions for proteanism

protean

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

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-).

proteanism in Medicine

protean

[prō′tē-ən, prō-tē′-]

adj.

Readily taking on varied shapes, forms, or meanings.