n. 普罗透斯(海神), 多变的人

[医] 变形杆菌属

Proteus \Pro"te*us\, n. [L., Gr. ?.]
1. (Class. Myth.) A sea god in the service of Neptune who
assumed different shapes at will. Hence, one who easily
changes his appearance or principles.

2. (Zo["o]l.)
(a) A genus of aquatic eel-shaped amphibians found in
caves in Austria. They have permanent external gills
as well as lungs. The eyes are small and the legs are
weak.
(b) A changeable protozoan; an am[oe]ba.