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Definition of protean - 7 dictionary results

pro⋅te⋅an

  [proh-tee-uhn, proh-tee-]
Use protean in a Sentence
–adjective
1. readily assuming different forms or characters; extremely variable.
2. changeable in shape or form, as an amoeba.
3. (of an actor or actress) versatile; able to play many kinds of roles.
4. (initial capital letter) of, pertaining to, or suggestive of Proteus.
Origin:
1590–1600; Prote(us) + -an

Related forms:
pro⋅te⋅an⋅ism, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To protean
pro·te·an   (prō'tē-ən, prō-tē'-)   
adj.  
  1. Readily taking on varied shapes, forms, or meanings.
  2. Exhibiting considerable variety or diversity: "He loved to show off his protean talent" (William A. Henry III).

[From Proteus.]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Protean

Pro"te*an\, a. 1. Of or pertaining to Proteus; characteristic of Proteus. " Protean transformations." --Cudworth.

2. Exceedingly variable; readily assuming different shapes or forms; as, an am[oe]ba is a protean animalcule.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary, © 1996, 1998 MICRA, Inc.
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Protean 
1598, from Gk. Proteus, sea god (son of Oceanus and Tethys) who could change his form; his name is lit. "first," from protos "first."
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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Main Entry: 1pro·te·an
Pronunciation: 'prOt-E-&n, prO-'tE-
Function: adjective
: displaying great diversity or variety protean in its manifestations —Lancet>

Main Entry: 2pro·te·an
Pronunciation: 'prOt-E-&n
Function: noun
: any of various insoluble primary protein derivatives thatresult from a slight modification of the protein molecule especially by the action of water, very dilute acids, or enzymes
Merriam-Webster's Medical Dictionary, © 2002 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
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protean pro·te·an (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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