cameo
noun pl. cameos
- a carving in relief on certain stratified gems (sardonyx, agate, etc.) or shells so that the raised design, often a head in profile, is usually in a layer of different color from its background
- a gem, shell, etc. so carved
- a minor but well-defined role in a play, film, etc., esp. when performed by a notable actor
- a fine bit of descriptive writing
See cameo in American Heritage Dictionary 4
(kămˈē-ōˌ)
noun pl. cam·e·os a. A gem or shell carved in relief, especially one in which the raised design and the background consist of layers of contrasting colors.
b. The technique of carving in this way.
c. A medallion with a profile cut in raised relief.
- A brief vivid portrayal or depiction: a literary cameo.
- A brief appearance of a prominent actor, as in a single scene of a motion picture. Also called cameo role.
verb cam·e·oed,
cam·e·o·ing,
cam·e·os verb, transitive- To make into or like a gem or shell carved in relief.
- To portray in sharp, delicate relief, as in a literary composition.
verb, intransitive To make a brief appearance, as in a film: She cameoed as Anne Boleyn in A Man for All Seasons.
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