Definition

1. Noun:
   • A type of lizard: A small, slow-moving lizard of the family Chamaeleonidae, native to Africa, Madagascar, and other regions, known for its ability to change skin color and its long, rapidly extensible tongue used for catching insects.
   • A faint constellation: A small, inconspicuous constellation in the southern sky, named after the lizard.
   • A changeable person: A person who frequently changes their opinions, behavior, or loyalties to suit different situations.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Animal):
  • The chameleon on the branch slowly changed its color to match the leaves.
  • We saw a chameleon catch a fly with its incredibly fast tongue.
• Noun (Constellation):
  • The constellation Chamaeleon is difficult to see without a telescope.
• Noun (Person):
  • He's a political chameleon, always adapting his views to please the current audience.
  • Don't trust her promises; she's a chameleon who says whatever is convenient.

Advanced Usage

• "A chameleon-like ability": Describing a skill for adapting or blending in.
  • The spy had a chameleon-like ability to assume new identities.
• Literary/Figurative Use: Used metaphorically to describe anything that changes its appearance or nature.
  • The city was a chameleon, transforming from a quiet town by day into a vibrant hub by night.

Variants and Related Words

• Chameleonic (adjective): Exhibiting changeable behavior or colors; highly variable.
  • His chameleonic personality made him hard to pin down.
• Chameleonism (noun, rare): The quality or practice of being changeable like a chameleon.

Synonyms

• For the person: Opportunist, turncoat, weathercock, vacillator, shape-shifter (figurative).
• For the animal: There is no direct common synonym, but it is a type of lizard or reptile.

Idioms and Common Phrases

• "To be a chameleon": To be a person who changes their attitudes or principles to fit in or gain advantage.
  • In the world of sales, you sometimes have to be a bit of a chameleon to connect with different clients.
• "Chameleon personality": A personality that seems to change based on the social context.
  • Her chameleon personality means she fits in anywhere, but no one really knows her true self.

Noun

1. lizard of Africa and Madagascar able to change skin color and having a projectile tongue
2. a faint constellation in the polar region of the southern hemisphere near Apus and Mensa
3. a changeable or inconstant person