ENGLISH DICTIONARY

Protean

Definition, Meaning & Examples

Pronunciation /ˈpɹəʊ.tɪ.ən/ · Part of speech adjective

Quick meaning: Protean is an adjective meaning Exceedingly variable; readily assuming different shapes or forms.

Meaning

Exceedingly variable; readily assuming different shapes or forms.

More Meanings

  1. (biochemistry) A protein that has been slightly modified by water, dilute acid, or enzymes, but not modified to the extent of a metaprotein.
  2. Alternative letter-case form of Protean: of or relating to Proteus.

Example Sentences

An amoeba is a protean animalcule.
He loved to show off his protean talent.
Nickolas Ashford and Valerie Simpson, that protean creative duo, have worn many faces and played many roles over the years.
In recent years, Europe has struggled to find the right balance between freedom of expression and the protean security concerns it faces.

Word Forms

Synonyms for protean

Depending on context, synonyms include multiform, polymorphic, polymorphous, shapeshifting, chameleon, chameleonic.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include variable, shapechanging, mutable, morphable, deformable, transformable.

Related Dictionary Tools

Sources & Attribution

FreeDictionaryAPI.com / Wiktionary · Original source · CC BY-SA 4.0

Dictionary data is provided by FreeDictionaryAPI.com and sourced from Wiktionary under its stated license.