proteuses

Proteus [(proh-tee-uhs, proh-tyoohs)]

In classical mythology, a god who served Poseidon. Proteus could change his shape at will.

Note: Someone or something that easily takes on several different forms may be called “protean.”

Main Entry: pro·te·us
Pronunciation: 'prOt-E-&s
Function: noun
1 capitalized : a genus of aerobic gram-negative bacteriaof the family Enterobacteriaceae that ferment glucose but not lactose and decompose urea, that are usually motile by means of peritrichous flagella, and that include saprophytes in decaying organicmatter and a common causative agent (P. mirabilis) of urinary tract infections
2 plural pro·tei /-"I/ : any bacterium of the genusProteus
Proteus, Greek mythological character. Proteus was an ancient god of the sea and sometimes identified as a son of Poseidon. His job was to herd Poseidon's flocks of seals andother sea creatures. Possessed of the gift of prophecy, he was generally unwilling to share his knowledge and would escape his questioners by assuming a variety of shapes, including fire and water andthe forms of wild beasts.

Proteus Pro·te·us (prō'tē-əs)
n.
A genus of gram-negative, rod-shaped aerobic bacteria of the family Enterobacteriaceae that includes certain species associated with human enteritis and urinary tract infections.