[cam.eo] n, pl -eos [ME camew, fr. MF camau, kamaheu] (15c) 1 a: a gem carved in relief; esp: 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 usu. 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 usu. performed by a well-known actor and often limited to a single scene; broadly: any brief appearance -- cameo adj -- cameo vt