Camée
/ka.me/noun
A cameo, especially a carved gemstone or shell featuring a raised image.
Did you know?Cameos were not merely jewelry in antiquity; engraved stones could function as protective amulets, although the word’s ultimate connection with the Hebrew term for amulet remains debated.
Etymological Timeline
Medieval Latin
Latin
cammaeus
“A carved or engraved gemstone; the source of the later Romance forms.”
13th–14th Century
Italian
cammeo
“A cameo: a gem carved so that a figure projects in relief.”
14th–15th Century
French
camée
“A cameo or relief-carved precious stone.”
15th Century
English
cameo
“A carved gem or shell with a raised design, borrowed from Italian.”
Modern English
English
cameo
“A small carved portrait or a brief, notable appearance, especially by a famous person.”