Pronunciation: [kˈamɪˌə͡ʊ] (IPA) 
The word cameo (/ˈkæmioʊ/) is spelled with a "c" followed by an "a", "m", "e", and "o". The "c" is pronounced with a hard "k" sound, while the "a" is pronounced with a short "æ" sound. The "m" is pronounced with a simple "m" sound, and the "e" is pronounced with a long "ē" sound. Finally, the "o" is pronounced with a long "ō" sound. This word describes a small, carved relief in jewelry or other decorative objects.
Cameo is a term that refers to a small but significant appearance or role of a person, often a celebrity or someone of importance, in a film, television show, play, or any other form of visual media. It can also pertain to a brief appearance or performance by an artist or musician in another artist's work, such as a song or music video.
Additionally, the term cameo is extended to describe a small, intricately carved piece of gemstone or shell that features a raised, concave design. These carvings often depict portraits, scenes, or images of historical or mythological significance, and are commonly used in jewelry or for decorative purposes. The details of a cameo are created by carving in relief, where the design is raised above the background material, creating a contrasting effect and enhancing the figures or scenes on the piece.
Furthermore, a cameo can also refer to a short literary or dramatic piece that features a specific character or event from a larger work. This type of cameo appearance allows the character or event to briefly come to life in a distinct context, adding depth or insight to the overall narrative.
In general, the term cameo denotes a brief, yet noteworthy appearance, whether in visual media, fashion, or literature, often evoking a sense of surprise or excitement for the audience or reader.
A stone on which figures are engraved in relief; shells are now commonly used as a substitute for gems.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "cameo" comes from the Old French word "camahieu" or "camaiieu", which ultimately derived from the Old Italian term "cammeo". The Italian word was derived from the Latin word "camaeus", which referred to a gem with raised reliefs and contrasting colors. Ultimately, the origin can be traced back to the Greek word "kamáuein", meaning "to engrave" or "to cut". The term "cameo" is now used to refer to an engraving or carving technique where an image or design is raised from a contrasting background, often seen in jewelry, sculptures, or decorative objects.
