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chamaeleon

chamaeleon

8.6
A lizard from Africa and Madagascar that changes its skin color and catches insects with a long tongue
  • noun
  • /kəˈmiːliən/
  • UK
translation icon : camaleón
  • The chameleon can change its color to blend in with the surrounding leaves.

Examples

  • If you're like a chameleon hiding in the forest, like just trying to do camouflage.

  • So this is a little awkward, but we're here about a gene drive to eradicate invasive chameleons from Maui.

  • So he came to me and he says ETI said what he said this chameleon must die.

  • This one is called chameleon and it is a deep teal base with gold reflex.

  • Now, of course, if you are a small grasshopper or a locust, chameleons can look pretty ferocious, I dare say, but OK, So you stay on the branch.

  • In the wild, a chameleon uses its long tongue to catch insects for food.

  • The chameleon slowly turned from green to brown as it adjusted to its environment.

Synonyms

chameleon
vschamaeleon
13 4.6

A small lizard that changes color and catches insects with a long tongue

has identical meaning but is a different spelling of the name
Chamaeleo chamaeleon
vschamaeleon
  • Specialized
9.9

A small lizard that changes color and lives in parts of southern Europe, North Africa and the Middle East

is limited to Africa and Madagascar rather than that wider range
African chameleon
vschamaeleon
  • Specialized
6.5

A lizard from Africa that can change color and move its eyes separately

focuses more on the long projectile tongue for catching prey

Compounds

Chamaeleo chamaeleon
  • Specialized
9.9

A small lizard that changes color and lives in parts of southern Europe, North Africa and the Middle East

genus Chamaeleon
  • Specialized
9.9

A group of chameleon species that share common features

Surface Forms

chamaeleon singular
chamaeleons plural
chameleons plural
chameleon singular

Etymology

Chamaeleon comes from Greek parts chamai 'on the ground' and leon 'lion'. Think 'ground lion' — the lion part links to the familiar English word lion and helps you remember this lizard is a clever hunter that hides by changing its color and uses a long, fast tongue to catch insects.