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Definition of namaqua chameleon
namaqua chameleon
Plural:Namaqua chameleons
namaqua chameleon Lexical Profile
CEFR
C1
Grade
8
Tier
3
Usage
Rare
• noun
1
A large, predominantly terrestrial species of chameleon native to the Namib Desert and surrounding arid regions of southwestern Africa, noted for its speed and ability to change color to regulate body temperature.
Example
"Unlike its tree-dwelling relatives, the Namaqua chameleon sprints rapidly across the scorching sand dunes to catch insect prey."
Word Nuance & Usage
Though listed in lowercase as a dictionary key, the proper adjective 'Namaqua' must be capitalized in standard writing.
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Named after the Namaqualand region of Namibia and South Africa, combined with 'chameleon', which derives from Greek 'khamaileōn' meaning 'earth lion'.
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Namaqua chameleon. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 15, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/namaqua chameleon