protean

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The Word of the Day for August 30 is:

protean   \PROH-tee-un\   adjective
     1 : of or resembling Proteus in having a varied nature or ability to 
assume different forms
    *2 : displaying great diversity or variety : versatile

Example sentence: 
     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.





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