Main Entry: cha·me·leon

Pronunciation: \kə-ˈmēl-yən\

Function: noun

Usage: often attributive

Etymology: Middle English camelion, from Middle French, from Latin chamaeleon, from Greek chamaileōn, from chamai on the ground + leōn lion — more at humble

Date: 14th century

1 : any of a family (Chamaeleontidae) of chiefly arboreal Old World lizards with prehensile tail, independently movable eyeballs, and unusual ability to change the color of the skin
2 a : a person given to often expedient or facile change in ideas or character b : one that is subject to quick or frequent change especially in appearance
3 : american chameleon

— cha·me·le·on·ic \-ˌmē-lē-ˈä-nik\ adjective

— cha·me·leon·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective