Definition of Protean

1. Adjective. Taking on different forms. "Eyes...of that baffling protean grey which is never twice the same"

Similar to: Variable
Derivative terms: Proteus

Definition of Protean

1. a. Of or pertaining to Proteus; characteristic of Proteus.

Definition of Protean

1. Adjective. Of or relating to Proteus ¹

2. Adjective. Exceedingly variable; readily assuming different shapes or forms. ¹

3. Adjective. Of or pertaining to Proteus; characteristic of Proteus. ¹

¹ Source: wiktionary.com

Definition of Protean

1. a type of protein [n -S] - See also: protein

Lexicographical Neighbors of Protean

protandry
protanomaly
protanope
protanopia
protanopias
protanopic
protases
protasis
protasite
protaspid
protaspis
protatic
protea
protea family
proteaceous
protean (current term)
proteanly
proteans
proteas
protease
protease inhibitor
protease inhibitors
proteases
proteasomal
proteasome
proteasomes
protect
protectability
protectable
protectant

Literary usage of Protean

Below you will find example usage of this term as found in modern and/or classical literature:

1. New Jersey as a Colony and as a State: One of the Original Thirteen by Francis Bazley Lee (1902)
"This led to a system of exchanging products or values on a basis of cost, giving what was called " the abstract or protean form of value. ..."

2. Encyclopaedia Britannica: A Standard Work of Reference in Art, Literature (1907)
"... assisted as that may be by lenses yet to be introduced, at a knowledge of the molecular construction of this protean protoplasm, of the laws according ..."

3. The Dublin Journal of Medical Science (1884)
"protean Skin Affection in Children. DR. CF MOORE read a paper detailing a protean skin affection. lie stated that children are not infrequently attacked ..."

4. A Short History of English Literature by George Saintsbury (1898)
"... Their essay-nature — protean appearances of essay — Overbury's Characters— The Character generally — Burton — The Anatomy—His "melancholy" — His style ..."

5. Comedians All by George Jean Nathan (1919)
"THE protean PLAY eternal "Iron Master" (with perhaps its American derivative "The ... 43 The protean Play.—That a four-act play of the nature, for example, ..."

6. A Short History of English Literature by George Saintsbury (1898)
"... His use of figures — His rhetorical quality — Jonson's prose — The Discoveries — Their essay-nature—protean appearances of essay — Overbury's Characters ..."

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