Apedia

Protean Sea Greek Earliest Man Proh Tee Uhn Proh Tee Adjective

Protean describes something that can take on many forms or is very versatile.

Protean describes something that is able to assume many different forms or is highly versatile.

Front protean \PROH-tee-uhn, proh-TEE-]
Back adjective
1. Assuming many forms: variable.
2. Able to handle many different things, as roles in a play. Versatile.

[After Proteus, a sea god in Greek mythology, who could assume different forms. He got his name from Greek protos (first) as he was one of the earliest sea gods. Earliest documented use: 1594.] 

"Bruce Chatwin: Such a protean character, a man of many parts. A man who loved the austere but was also flamboyant in manner." Thor Kah Hoong; Protean Character; The Star (Petaling Jaya, Malaysia); Feb 27, 2007.

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