cameo: Meaning and Definition of

cam•e•o

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 calleda minor part played by a prominent performer in a single scene of a motion picture or a television play.