What does "protean" mean?

A protein that has been slightly modified by water, dilute acid, or enzymes, but not modified to the extent of a metaprotein.

What is a synonym for "protean"?

Common synonyms include: able to adapt, adaptable, adjustable, allotropic, alterable, alterative.

Pronounced //ˈpɹoʊ.tɪ.ən//.

/ˈpɹoʊ.tɪ.ən/ adj, noun

adj, noun ·Moderate ·College level

Noun

1
A protein that has been slightly modified by water, dilute acid, or enzymes, but not modified to the extent of a metaprotein.

Adjective

1
Exceedingly variable; readily assuming different shapes or forms.
"An amoeba is a protean animalcule."
2
Of or relating to the god Proteus in Greek mythology.
3
Alternative letter-case form of Protean (of or relating to Proteus). alt-of
4
Of or relating to the irregular Neptunian moon named for Proteus.

Adjective

"Semantic equivalence is protean as well as fuzzy: what hoi polloi find equivalent may to cognoscenti be quite distinct."

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