HOW TO PRONOUNCE
protean
/ˈpɹoʊ.tɪ.ən/
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American Pronunciation Guide · 0:57
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What does protean mean?
adjective
- Exceedingly variable; readily assuming different shapes or forms.
- Alternative letter-case form of Protean: of or relating to Proteus.
noun
- A protein that has been slightly modified by water, dilute acid, or enzymes, but not modified to the extent of a metaprotein.
More meanings (2)
adjective
- Of or relating to the god Proteus in Greek mythology.
- Of or relating to the irregular Neptunian moon named for Proteus.
Definitions regrouped for readability · CC BY-SA 4.0
IPA pronunciation
/ˈpɹoʊ.tɪ.ən/
Wiktionary contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0 ↗Pronunciation varies by speaker and region. About these dictionary pronunciations.
In the pages of books
See this word in context.
The student of the poem is amazed, long before he gets over all these monologues, at the Protean capabilities of the poet’s own intellect.
No milliner's or dressmaker's bills, no evening parties, no Protean fashions, no elegant furniture, no imperious necessity for Kleanthes to outshine Kleon, no coaches, no Chateau Margaux, no journeys to Arkadia in the summer!
More book examples (3)
There is one point connected with individual differences which is extremely perplexing: I refer to those genera which have been called “protean” or “polymorphic,” in which species present an inordinate amount of variation.
The rapidity with which it spread, the strange protean appearances which it assumed, and its too frequent fatal termination, surprised and puzzled the veterinary surgeons; and they called it "la maladie des chiens," the disease or distemper in dogs.
Donald appeared not to see her at all, and answered her wise little remarks with curtly indifferent monosyllables, his looks and faculties hanging on the woman who could boast of a more Protean variety in her phases, moods, opinions, and also principles, than could Elizabeth.