cameo
Use Cameo in a sentence
iˌoʊ noun, plural cam·e·os.
1.
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.
2.
a gem or other stone so engraved.
3.
a literary sketch, small dramatic scene, or the like, that effectively presents or depicts its subject.
4.
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:
1375–1425; < Italian cam(m)eo < Old French camaieu, of uncertain origin; replacing late Middle English camew, cameu < Old French
1375–1425; < Italian cam(m)eo < Old French camaieu, of uncertain origin; replacing late Middle English camew, cameu < Old French
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
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Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
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Link To cameo
00:10
Cameo
is always a great word to know.
So is bezoar. Does it mean:
| a calculus or concretion found in the stomach or intestines of certain animals, esp. ruminants, formerly reputed to be an effective remedy for poison. |
| a screen or mat covered with a dark material for shielding a camera lens from excess light or glare. |
Collins
World English Dictionary
cameo (ˈkæmɪˌəʊ) ![[Click for IPA pronunciation guide]](http://static.sfdict.com/dictstatic/g/d/dictionary_questionbutton_default.gif) | |
| —n , pl cameos | |
| 1. | a. a medallion, as on a brooch or ring, with a profile head carved in relief |
| b. (as modifier): a cameo necklace | |
| 2. | 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 |
| 3. | a stone with such an engraving |
| 4. | a. a single and often brief dramatic scene played by a well-known actor or actress in a film or television play |
| b. (as modifier): a cameo role | |
| 5. | a. a short literary work or dramatic sketch |
| b. (as modifier): a cameo sketch | |
| [C15: from Italian cammeo, of uncertain origin] | |
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
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2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
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Etymonline
Word Origin & History
cameo
16c., camuse, camfeo, etc. (from early 13c. in Anglo-L.), "carved precious stone with two layers of colors," from It. cammeo (13c.), from M.L. cammæus, of unknown origin, perhaps ultimately from Arabic qamaa'il "flower buds," or Pers. chumahan "agate." Transferred sense of "small character or part
that stands out from other minor parts" in a play, etc., is from 1928, from earlier meaning "short literary sketch or portrait" (1851).
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
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American Heritage
Abbreviations & Acronyms
| CAMEO computer-aided management of emergency operations |
The American Heritage® Abbreviations Dictionary, Third Edition
Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
Cite This Source
Example sentences
In my time a cameo set in pearls was thought sufficient.
White makes his motion-picture debut with a cameo part in the movie.
It defined the first act, but now it's a cameo, backlit by the immense universe beyond.
Abrams also pays homage to the original with a cameo by one of the old gang.
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