n.
Pronunciation: v ə - ' nir
Function: noun
Etymology: German Furnier, from furnieren to veneer, from French fournir to furnish, equip ― more at FURNISH
Date: 1702
1 : a thin sheet of a material: as a : a layer of wood of superior value or excellent grain to be glued to an inferior wood b : any of the thin layers bonded together to form plywood c : a plastic or porcelain coating bonded to the surface of a cosmetically imperfect tooth
2 : a protective or ornamental facing (as of brick or stone)
3 : a superficial or deceptively attractive appearance, display, or effect : FACADE , GLOSS <a veneer of tolerance>