cameo
[ kam-ee-oh ]
/ ˈkæm iˌoʊ /
noun, plural cam·e·os.
a technique of engraving upon a gem or other stone, as onyx, in such a way that an underlying stone of one color is exposed as a background for a low-relief design of another color.
a gem or other stone so engraved.
a literary sketch, small dramatic scene, or the like, that effectively presents or depicts its subject.
Also called cameo role.
a minor part played by a prominent performer in a single scene of a motion picture or a television play.
Origin of cameo
1375–1425; < Italian
cam(m)eo < Old French
camaieu, of uncertain origin; replacing late Middle English
camew, cameu < Old French
Words nearby cameo
camelopardus,
camelot,
cameltoe,
camembert,
camenae,
cameo,
cameo glass,
cameo ware,
camera,
camera lucida,
camera obscura
Example sentences from the Web for cameo
British Dictionary definitions for cameo
cameo
/ (ˈkæmɪˌəʊ) /
noun plural cameos
- a medallion, as on a brooch or ring, with a profile head carved in relief
- (as modifier)a cameo necklace
an engraving upon a gem or other stone of at least two differently coloured layers, such as sardonyx, so carved that the background is of a different colour from the raised design
a stone with such an engraving
- a single and often brief dramatic scene played by a well-known actor or actress in a film or television play
- (as modifier)a cameo role
- a short literary work or dramatic sketch
- (as modifier)a cameo sketch
Word Origin for cameo
C15: from Italian
cammeo, of uncertain origin