ve ‧ neer /vəˈnɪə, vɪˈnɪə $ -ˈnɪr/ BrE AmE noun
[ Date: 1700-1800 ; Language: German ; Origin: furnier , from furnieren 'to veneer' , from French fournir ; ⇨ ↑ furnish ]
1 . [uncountable and countable] a thin layer of wood or plastic that covers the surface of a piece of furniture made of cheaper material, to make it look better
walnut/maple/oak etc veneer
2 . a veneer of politeness/sophistication etc formal behaviour that hides someone’s real character or feelings:
A thin veneer of politeness hid Lady Bride’s growing anger.