veneer

[vuh-neer]

noun

1. a thin layer of wood or other material for facing or inlaying wood.

2. any of the thin layers of wood glued together to form plywood.

3. Building Trades.,  a facing of a certain material applied to a different one or to a type of construction not ordinarily associated with it, as a facing of brick applied to a frame house.

4. a superficially valuable or pleasing appearance.

   a cruel person with a veneer of kindliness.

   Synonyms: guise, mask, show, front, facade

verb (used with object)

1. to overlay or face (wood) with thin sheets of some material, as a fine wood, ivory, or tortoise shell.

2. to face or cover (an object) with any material that is more desirable as a surface material than the basic material of the object; revet.

3. to cement (layers of wood veneer) to form plywood.

4. to give a superficially valuable or pleasing appearance to.

veneer

/ vɪˈnɪə /

noun

1. a thin layer of wood, plastic, etc, with a decorative or fine finish that is bonded to the surface of a less expensive material, usually wood

2. a superficial appearance, esp one that is pleasing

   a veneer of gentility

3. any facing material that is applied to a different backing material

4. any one of the layers of wood that is used to form plywood

verb

1. to cover (a surface) with a veneer

2. to bond together (thin layers of wood) to make plywood

3. to conceal (something) under a superficially pleasant surface

Other Word Forms

• veneerer noun
• unveneered adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of veneer¹

First recorded in 1695–1705; earlier fineering, faneering, from German Fourni(e)rung, Furni(e)rung (from furni(e)ren “to furnish,” from French fournir; furnish ) + -ung -ing ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of veneer¹

C17: from German furnieren to veneer, from Old French fournir to _furnish

Example Sentences

But it strips away the sentimental veneer attaching fans to their college teams.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

It seems like she’s the one who’s hiding something, but James’ veneer of normality is not quite what it seems.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The same veneer of courtliness masked the same animal impulse to see the world as it is, rather than as it should be.

Read more on Literature

However, that veneer has worn down in recent years, including when she broke her hip during a fall in Europe in December.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The material can also be used on exposed dentine, creating an enamel-like coating that helps reduce tooth sensitivity and improves how restorations, such as fillings or veneers, bond to the tooth surface.

Read more on Science Daily

Related Words

• coating 
• exterior 
• facade 
• gloss 
• layer 
• mask 
• semblance