# protean

> English word · Adjective · IPA /ˈpɹəʊ.tɪ.ən/ · frequency rank #75,318

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

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

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/protean