chameleon

[ kuh-mee-lee-uhn, -meel-yuhn ]

noun

1. any of numerous Old World lizards of the family Chamaeleontidae, characterized by the ability to change the color of their skin, very slow locomotion, and a projectile tongue.
2. any of several American lizards capable of changing the color of the skin, especially Anolis carolinensis American chameleon, of the southeastern U.S.
3. a changeable, fickle, or inconstant person.
4. (initial capital letter) Astronomy. Chamaeleon.

chameleon

/ kəˌmiːlɪˈɒnɪk; kəˈmiːlɪən /

noun

1. any lizard of the family Chamaeleontidae of Africa and Madagascar, having long slender legs, a prehensile tail and tongue, and the ability to change colour
2. a changeable or fickle person

Derived Forms

• chameleonic, adjective
• chaˈmeleon-ˌlike, adjective

Other Words From

• cha·me·le·on·ic [k, uh, -mee-lee-, on, -ik], adjective
• cha·mele·on·like adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of chameleon¹

1300–50; variant of chamaeleon < Latin < Greek chamailéōn, equivalent to chamaí on the ground, dwarf (akin to humus ) + léōn lion; replacing Middle English camelion < Middle French < Latin, as above

Word History and Origins

Origin of chameleon¹

C14: from Latin chamaeleon, from Greek khamaileōn, from khamai on the ground + leōn lion

Example Sentences

The pair set off on a journey to Juniper City to find the Chameleon, who has been shape-shifting into different vanquished warriors and demanding monetary tribute.

From Los Angeles Times

Gill's charity Chameleon Buddies, so-called for the reptile's adaptable nature, has employed the pastoress as a translator for the week.

From BBC

Boy George and his band Culture Club are responsible for hit singles including “Karma Chameleon” and “Do You Really Want to Hurt Me.”

From New York Times

“Bob will email me: ‘Adam, check out the song “The Night” off our “Chameleon” album,’” the Primary Wave exec says, which he promptly did.

From Los Angeles Times

Mrs Castle went on to set up Chameleon Buddies, a charity to support women in the UK and abroad who have had childbirth injuries.

From BBC