mid-14c., camelion, from Old French caméléon, from Latin chamaeleon, from Greek khamaileon "the chameleon," from khamai "on the ground" (also "dwarf"), akin to chthon "earth" (see chthonic) + leon "lion" (see lion). Perhaps the large head-crest on some species was thought to resemble a lion's mane. The classical -h- was restored in English early 18c. Figurative sense of "variable person" is 1580s. It formerly was supposed to live on air (as in "Hamlet" III.ii.98).
双语例句
1. Like a chameleon, he could merge unobtrusively into the background.
他就像一条变色龙，可以神不知鬼不觉地隐藏在背景中间。
来自柯林斯例句
2. The chameleon changes colour to match its surroundings.
变色龙变换颜色以适应环境.
来自《简明英汉词典》
3. The chameleon adapts to its surroundings by changing color.
变色蜥蜴用变色来适应环境.
来自辞典例句
4. The chameleon's skin replicates the pattern of its surroundings.
变色龙的皮肤可随环境的模式而改变颜色.
来自互联网
5. Anna: It changed colours, like chameleon, it uses the jungle.