Tools: Learn New Words | Secure Password Generator | Startup Tools | PDF Generator

Proteus (Noun)

(Greek mythology) a prophetic god who served Poseidon; was capable of changing his shape at will.

Nouns denoting people.

Proteus was a minor but intriguing figure in Greek mythology, often depicted as a prophetic sea god with shape-shifting abilities.
The myth of Proteus tells the story of a god who could change his form to avoid being caught by those seeking his prophetic wisdom.
In Homer's 'Odyssey', Proteus appears to Menelaus as a wise sea god, providing him with important knowledge to aid in his journey.
With the power to transform into anything he chose, Proteus could be a serpent, a leopard, or even a towering wave in the ocean at will.
Menelaus had to resort to binding Proteus and holding him until he lost the will to shift his shape and finally provided the prophecy he sought.

Type genus of the Proteidae.

Nouns denoting animals.

The proteus is a type of aquatic salamander found in European caves and is the type genus of the Proteidae family.
A species of proteus can be an interesting addition to any zoologist's research on aquatic salamanders.
The proteus has adapted well to its subterranean environment, having lost the ability to regenerate its eyes over time.
One notable species of proteus is the olm, also known as the cave-dwelling salamander.
Research on the proteus is crucial for understanding the evolution of subterranean organisms and their adaptations.