veneer

Universal Words 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: pine, with a walnut veneer * The chest is solid oak, not veneer. 2 [sing.] ~ (of sth) (formal) an outer appearance of a particular quality that hides the true nature of sb/sth: For the first time her veneer of politeness began to crack. verb [VN] ~ sth (with / in sth) to cover the surface of sth with a veneer of wood, etc.