Word of the Day

: August 30, 2007

protean

adjective PROH-tee-un

What It Means

1 : of or resembling Proteus in having a varied nature or ability to assume different forms

2 : displaying great diversity or variety : versatile

protean in Context

Bradley has made the most of the space in his tiny apartment by selecting furniture pieces that are protean, such as storage cubes that double as extra seats.

Did You Know?

Proteus was the original master of disguise. According to Greek mythology, the grizzled old shepherd of Poseidon's sea creatures possessed the gift of prophecy but didn't like to share his knowledge. Proteus would escape those who wanted to question him by changing his shape. The only way to get a straight answer from him was to sneak up behind him during his midday nap and hold onto him (while he frantically changed from shape to shape) until he eventually revealed what he knew. The adjective "protean" describes anyone or anything that is as mutable and adaptable as the mythological shepherd.

*Indicates the sense illustrated in the example sentence.