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; < It cam(m)eo < OF camaieu, of uncert. orig.; r. late ME camew, cameu < OF