PROTEUS
- any of the rodlike bacteria found in decaying matter [n PROTEUSES or PROTEI]
- sea god, son of Oceanus and Tethys, noted for his ability to assume different forms and to prophesy
- person who readily changes appearance, character, etc.
- any of a genus of aerobic bacteria [n PROTEI] / one that readily changes his appearance or principles [n PROTEI, PROTEUSES]