cameo

/ˌkæmiˈoʊ/

/ˈkæmiəʊ/

Other forms: cameos

If your friend gives you a piece of jewelry that has a raised carving of a face in profile showing all the curves and shapes, that’s called a cameo.

Often used to show a person’s head in profile, a cameo typically has two layers of color: one color for the subject and another one for the background. The detail is depicted not by color or shades but instead by the raised design, which is called a relief. A cameo is typically used for a piece of jewelry, such as a ring or a brooch, and it has an ornate, old-fashioned quality. You may have seen this type of jewelry depicted in Victorian paintings or possibly worn by your great grandmother.

Definitions of cameo

1. noun

   engraving or carving in low relief on a stone (as in a brooch or ring)
   type of:

   anaglyph

   anything carved in low relief
2. noun

   a brief appearance by a well-known actor in a movie or play
   type of:

   character, part, persona, role, theatrical role

   an actor's portrayal of someone in a play, film, etc...