1. plural of protean; people or things that are versatile, adaptable, or capable of assuming many different forms or characters
Usage: often used in literary or formal contexts; derived from Proteus, a figure in Greek mythology known for his ability to change shape

Examples

• The proteans of the tech industry constantly reinvent themselves to stay competitive.
• In mythology, proteans were creatures capable of changing their appearance at will.
• The artist's proteans—her many different styles—reflected her creative evolution.
• These proteans of modern politics shift their positions depending on public opinion.
• The novel features proteans as characters who transform throughout the story.
• Jazz musicians are proteans, adapting their sound to different contexts and collaborators.