cameo

noun (plural -eos) Etymology: Middle English camew, from Middle French camau, kamaheu Date: 15th century 1. a. a gem carved in relief; especially a small piece of sculpture on a stone or shell cut in relief in one layer with another contrasting layer serving as background b. a small medallion with a profiled head in relief 2. a carving or sculpture made in the manner of a cameo 3. a usually brief literary or filmic piece that brings into delicate or sharp relief the character of a person, place, or event 4. a small theatrical role usually performed by a well-known actor and often limited to a single scene; broadly a brief appearance or role • cameo adjective • cameo transitive verb