I. və-ˈnir 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
II. transitive verb
Date: 1742
1. : to overlay or plate (as a common wood) with a thin layer of finer wood for outer finish or decoration ; broadly : to face with a material giving a superior surface
2. : to cover over with a veneer ; especially : to conceal (as a defect of character) under a superficial and deceptive attractiveness
• ve·neer·er noun