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The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 (gcide)

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]