protean

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

/ ˈproʊ ti ən, proʊˈti- /

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.

Words nearby protean

protanomaly, protanopia, protasis, prote-, protea, protean, proteas, protease, protease inhibitor, protease inhibitors, protect

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. 2019

British Dictionary definitions for proteanism

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

Medical definitions for proteanism

protean

[ prō′tē-ən, prō-tē′- ]

adj.

Readily taking on varied shapes, forms, or meanings.