[syn: chameleon, chamaeleon]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
chamaeleon \chamaeleon\ n. [L. Chamaeleon, Gr. chamaile`wn,
lit., "ground lion;" chamai` on the ground + le`wn lion.]
(Zool.)
a lizard of Africa and Madagascar able to change skin color
and having a projectile tongue.
Syn: chameleon.
[WordNet 1.5]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Chamaeleon \Chamaeleon\ n. (Astronomy)
a small constellation in the southern skies between Hydrus
and Musca.
Syn: Chameleon.
[PJC] Chamaeleonidae
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Chameleon \Cha*me"le*on\ (k[.a]*m[=e]"l[-e]*[u^]n), n. [L.
Chamaeleon, Gr. chamaile`wn, lit., "ground lion;" chamai` on
the ground + le`wn lion. See Humble, and Lion.] (Zool.)
1. A lizardlike reptile of the genus Cham[ae]leo, of
several species, found in Africa, Asia, and Europe. The
skin is covered with fine granulations; it has eyes which
can move separately, the tail is prehensile, and the body
is much compressed laterally, giving it a high back. It is
remarkable for its ability to change the color of its skin
to blend with its surroundings. [Also sometimes spelled
chamaeleon.]
[1913 Webster +PJC]
Note: Its color changes more or less with the color of the
objects about it, or with its temper when disturbed. In
a cool, dark place it is nearly white, or grayish; on
admitting the light, it changes to brown, bottle-green,
or blood red, of various shades, and more or less
mottled in arrangment. The American chameleons belong
to Anolis and allied genera of the family
Iguanid[ae]. They are more slender in form than the
true chameleons, but have the same power of changing
their colors.
[1913 Webster]
2. a person who changes opinions, ideas, or behavior to suit
the prevailing social climate; an opportunist.
[PJC]
Chameleon mineral (Chem.), the compound called potassium
permanganate, a dark violet, crystalline substance,
KMnO4, which in formation passes through a peculiar
succession of color from green to blue, purple, red, etc.
See Potassium permanganate, under Potassium.
[1913 Webster]
WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):
Chamaeleon
n 1: a faint constellation in the polar region of the southern
hemisphere near Apus and Mensa [syn: Chamaeleon,
Chameleon]
2: lizard of Africa and Madagascar able to change skin color and
having a projectile tongue [syn: chameleon, chamaeleon]