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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.
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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. 2022

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

Medical definitions for protean

protean
[ prō′tē-ən, prō-tē′- ]
adj.
Readily taking on varied shapes, forms, or meanings.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
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