PRONUNCIATION:

(pro-TEE-uhn) 

MEANING:

adjective:
1. Assuming many forms: variable.
2. Able to handle many different things, as roles in a play. Versatile.

ETYMOLOGY:

After Proteus, a sea god in Greek mythology, who could assume different forms. He got his name from Greek protos (first) as he was one of the earliest sea gods. Earliest documented use: 1594.

USAGE:

“Bruce Chatwin: Such a protean character, a man of many parts. A man who loved the austere but was also flamboyant in manner.”
Thor Kah Hoong; Protean Character; The Star (Petaling Jaya, Malaysia); Feb 27, 2007.