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

Example sentences from the Web for cameo

British Dictionary definitions for cameo

cameo
/ (ˈkæmɪˌəʊ) /

noun plural cameos

  1. a medallion, as on a brooch or ring, with a profile head carved in relief
  2. (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
  1. a single and often brief dramatic scene played by a well-known actor or actress in a film or television play
  2. (as modifier)a cameo role
  1. a short literary work or dramatic sketch
  2. (as modifier)a cameo sketch

Word Origin for cameo

C15: from Italian cammeo, of uncertain origin