Definitions

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

  • noun archaic A taxonomic family within the order Proteales — comprising 82 known species, including South Africa's national flower, Protea cynaroides or king protea.

Etymologies

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License

Coinage by Linnaeus, after Proteus the Greek warden of sea beasts, renowned for his ability to change shape.

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