Readily taking on different forms, characters, or meanings; extremely variable and adaptable. Something protean changes its nature or appearance frequently and dramatically.
From Proteus, a Greek sea god who could change his shape at will to avoid capture. In Homer's Odyssey, Proteus would transform into various animals and elements when someone tried to hold him, making him nearly impossible to pin down.
Think of 'protein' - both words come from the same Greek root meaning 'first' or 'primary,' but protean means 'first-class shape-shifter.' Like Proteus the sea god, protean things are masters of disguise who never stay the same form twice.
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