protean Hear it!

protean¹ Definition

pro·tean (prōt′ē ən, prō tē′ən)

adjective

  1. of or like Proteus
  2. very changeable; readily taking on different shapes and forms

protean² Definition

pro·tean (prōt′ē ən)

noun

any of a group of insoluble derived proteins that are the first products of the action of water, dilute acids, or enzymes on proteins

Etymology: prote(in) + -an

protean Synonyms

protean

modif.

mutable, variable, unsettled; see changeable 2.

protean Usage Examples

Modifies a noun

  • manifestation: The protean manifestations of Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection in adults.
  • nature: At the same time, the protean nature of such terms enabled Republican support to spread beyond the borders of Virginia.
  • form: To what, with respect to loss in its diabolical protean forms, have we become habituated?
  • behavior: Random rage Miller gives the following example to illustrate why protean behavior would have evolved.
  • hero: The modern, protean hero, doesnât come with an agenda.
  • career: Hall, D.T. ( 1996 ) Protean careers of the 21 st century.

Modifying Another Word

  • so: It is another reason why the early church was so protean.