from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Potassium \Po*tas"si*um\, n. [NL. See {Potassa}, {Potash}.]
(Chem.)
An Alkali element, occurring abundantly but always combined,
as in the chloride, sulphate, carbonate, or silicate, in the
minerals sylvite, kainite, orthoclase, muscovite, etc. Atomic
weight 39.0. Symbol K (Kalium).
[1913 Webster]
Note: It is reduced from the carbonate as a soft white metal,
lighter than water, which oxidizes with the greatest
readiness, and, to be preserved, must be kept under
liquid hydrocarbons, as naphtha or kerosene. Its
compounds are very important, being used in glass
making, soap making, in fertilizers, and in many drugs
and chemicals.
[1913 Webster]
{Potassium permanganate}, the salt {KMnO4}, crystallizing in
dark red prisms having a greenish surface color, and
dissolving in water with a beautiful purple red color; --
used as an oxidizer and disinfectant. The name {chameleon
mineral} is applied to this salt and also to potassium
manganate.
{Potassium bitartrate}. See {Cream of tartar}, under {Cream}.
[1913 Webster]
from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
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}.] (Zool.)
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]