cameo Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun engraving or carving in low relief on a stone (as in a brooch or ring)

WordNet

Cam"e*o noun
Etymology
It cammeo; akin to F. camée, camaïeu, Sp. camafeo, LL. camaeus, camahutus; of unknown origin.
Wordforms
plural Cameos
Definitions
  1. A carving in relief, esp. one on a small scale used as a jewel for personal adornment, or like. ✍ Most cameos are carved in a material which has layers of different colors, such stones as the onyx and sardonyx, and various kinds of shells, being used.

Webster 1913