/ vəˈnɪə(r); NAmE vəˈnɪr/ noun , verb
■ noun
1.
[ C , U ] a thin layer of wood or plastic that is glued to the surface of cheaper wood, especially on a piece of furniture
2.
[ sing. ] veneer (of sth) ( formal ) an outer appearance of a particular quality that hides the true nature of sb/sth :
Her veneer of politeness began to crack.
■ verb
[ vn ] veneer sth (with / in sth) to cover the surface of sth with a veneer of wood, etc.
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WORD ORIGIN
early 18th cent. (earlier as fineer ): from German furni(e)ren , from Old French fournir furnish.