'chameleon-like' originates from English formation combining 'chameleon' (from Greek/Latin) and the English adjectival suffix '-like' (from Old English 'lic' meaning 'form, likeness').

'chameleon' comes into English via Latin 'chamaeleon', from Greek 'khamáilēōn' (khamai 'on the ground' + leōn 'lion'); the suffix '-like' descends from Old English 'lic' (meaning 'form, likeness') and developed into a productive adjectival suffix in Middle and Modern English; together they formed the compound/adjective 'chameleon-like' in Modern English.

Initially the root referred specifically to the animal 'chameleon' (a lizard known for changing color); over time the compound extended to mean 'resembling a chameleon' literally and, by metaphorical extension, 'changeable, highly adaptable, or opportunistic' in behavior or appearance.