Definition of PROTEAN

protean

Plural: proteans

Adjective Satellite

  • taking on different forms
    • "eyes...of that baffling protean grey which is never twice the same"

Adj

  • Exceedingly variable; readily assuming different shapes or forms.
  • Alternative letter-case form of Protean (of or relating to Proteus).

Noun

  • A type of protein, often showing variable forms.
  • A protein that has been slightly modified by water, dilute acid, or enzymes, but not modified to the extent of a metaprotein.

Examples

  • An amoeba is a protean animalcule.
  • The word PROTEAN is fitting, as its letters can form many other words.

Origin / Etymology

From Ancient Greek Πρωτεύς (Prōteús, literally “first”), the Greek warden of sea-beasts, renowned for his ability to change shape.

Scrabble Score: 9

protean: valid Scrabble (US) TWL Word
protean: valid Scrabble Word in Merriam-Webster MW Dictionary
protean: valid Scrabble Word in International Collins CSW Dictionary

Words With Friends Score: 11

protean: valid Words With Friends Word