US /ˈpɹoʊ.tɪ.ən/ UK /ˈpɹəʊ.tɪ.ən/
adj Freq #141114

Meanings

  1. 1
    adj

    Exceedingly variable; readily assuming different shapes or forms.

    An amoeba is a protean animalcule.

Thesaurus

Synonyms
1 adj · exceedingly variable;... chameleonchameleonicchameleonlikediversemultiformmultiversantpluriformpolymorphic
Word family
Derived forms proteanly

Etymology

From Ancient Greek Πρωτεύς (Prōteús, literally “first”), the Greek warden of sea-beasts, renowned for his ability to change shape.

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