The cinematic concept of a famous or semi-famous actor playing a small role in a particular movie. Somewhat overturned by George Clinton's prominent cameo in PCU.

Cam"e*o (?), n.; pl. Cameos (#). [It cammeo; akin to F. cam'ee, camaieu, Sp. camafeo, LL. camaeus, camahutus; of unknown origin.]

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.

Cameo conch Zool., a large, marine, univalve shell, esp. Cassis cameo, C. rua, and allied species, used for cutting cameos. See Quern conch.

 

© Webster 1913.

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