proteus

Proteus is a name used in several domains of knowledge, including mythology, biology, zoology, and technology, and may refer to a sea god, a bacterial genus, an aquatic salamander, and an electronic design software package.

In Greek mythology, Proteus is a prophetic sea god, a son of Poseidon who could change his shape at will and foretell the future. He often eludes captors by transforming into animals and objects, until forced to disclose his hidden knowledge.

In microbiology, Proteus is a genus of Gram-negative bacteria in the family Enterobacteriaceae. Notable species include Proteus mirabilis and Proteus vulgaris, which are commonly associated with urinary tract infections and wound infections. They are known for rapid swarming motility on solid surfaces and a tendency to produce ammonia from urea.

In zoology, Proteus anguinus, the olm or cave salamander, is an aquatic amphibian native to European caves and classified within the genus Proteus. It is adapted to perpetual darkness, with reduced eyesight and limited pigmentation, and relies on other senses to navigate its subterranean habitat.

In technology, Proteus Design Suite is an electronic design automation package used to create, simulate, and lay out electronic circuits. It combines schematic capture, SPICE-based circuit simulation, and printed circuit board (PCB) design, and is used by students, hobbyists, and engineers.