Pronunciation: [kəmˈiːli͡ən] (IPA) 
The word "chameleon" is spelled with a "ch" like "church." The "ea" is pronounced like "e" in "be" and the "o" is pronounced like "uh" in "bud," forming "kə-MEE-lee-ən" in IPA phonetic transcription. This word refers to a type of lizard that is known for changing colors to blend into its surroundings. Spelling can be tricky, but this word is an excellent example of how understanding the letter sounds can help with correct spelling.
A chameleon is a reptile belonging to the family Chamaeleonidae, known for its unique ability to change its skin color to match its surroundings. This charismatic creature is characterized by its long, curled tail, bulging eyes that can move independently, and specialized feet enabling it to grasp branches. The term "chameleon" is derived from the Greek words "chamai" (on the ground) and "leon" (lion), reflecting its low posture resembling that of a lion.
A highly adaptable species, the chameleon's most notable feature is its remarkable ability to change skin coloration. This characteristic is primarily used for communication, temperature regulation, camouflage, and emotional expression. The chameleon achieves this by adjusting the concentration of pigments in specialized skin cells known as chromatophores. This color-changing ability is controlled by the chameleon's nerve impulses, hormones, and external factors such as light, temperature, and background color.
While the chameleon is famous for its camouflage, it can also display vibrant and contrasting colors during territorial displays and courtship rituals. Their color-changing capacity gives them a distinct advantage in evading predators and capturing prey.
Beyond their unique physical traits, chameleons inhabit various habitats across Africa, Madagascar, the Middle East, and Southern Europe. They are primarily arboreal creatures, adept at climbing and perching on branches. Despite their relatively slow movement, chameleons possess a remarkable ability to strike at prey with their long, sticky tongue, which can be extended to distances exceeding their body length.
Overall, the chameleon's distinct characteristics, including its color-changing capacity, specialized physiology, and arboreal lifestyle, make it a fascinating and often admired creature in the animal kingdom.
A small gutter or channel; a bevel or slope.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "chameleon" comes from the Greek word "khamai", which means "on the ground" or "earthly", and the Greek word "leon", which means "lion". This is because the ancient Greeks believed that the chameleon had a lion-like shape and was close to the earth due to its low posture. These two words were combined to form "khamaileon", which eventually evolved into the word "chameleon" in English.
