English Explanatory Dictionary

protean

English dictionary entry

Meanings

adj
  1. Exceedingly variable; readily assuming different shapes or forms.
  2. Alternative letter-case form of Protean: of or relating to Proteus.
noun
  1. A protein that has been slightly modified by water, dilute acid, or enzymes, but not modified to the extent of a metaprotein.
adj
  1. Of or relating to the god Proteus in Greek mythology.
  2. Of or relating to the irregular Neptunian moon named for Proteus.

Pronunciation

/ˈpɹəʊ.tɪ.ən/ /pɹəʊˈtiː.ən/ prō'ti-ən prō-tē'ən /ˈpɹoʊ.tɪ.ən/ /pɹoʊˈtiː.ən/ en-us-protean.ogg en-us-protean-2.ogg /ˈproʊtiən/

Word forms

protean more protean most protean proteans

Etymology

Etymology tree Ancient Greek Πρωτεύς (Prōteús)bor. English Proteus Proto-Indo-European *-nós Proto-Italic *-nos Latin -nus Latin -ānus Old French -ainder. Middle English -an English -an English protean From Proteus + -an, referrring to the Greek warden of sea-beasts, renowned for his ability to change shape.

Synonyms

multiform polymorphic polymorphous shapeshifting chameleon chameleonic chameleonlike diverse multiversant pluriform protean variform

Related words

Protea

Derived words

proteanly
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