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Definition: Chameleon mineral
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.]
(Zo["o]l.)
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]