veneer
veneer Lexical Profile
veneer Game Scores & Validity
• noun
An attractive appearance that covers or disguises someone's true nature or the harsh reality of a situation.
"Underneath his veneer of polite sophistication, he was actually quite ruthless in business."
A thin decorative covering of fine wood applied to a coarser wood or other material.
"The antique cabinet was built of cheap pine but finished with a beautiful mahogany veneer."
A thin layer of material, typically porcelain or composite, placed over a tooth to improve aesthetics or protect damage.
"She visited the cosmetic dentist to have porcelain veneers applied to her front teeth."
• verb
To cover (a piece of furniture or surface) with a decorative layer of fine wood or another material.
"The artisans veneered the particle board with rich oak to give it a luxurious finish."
To cover or disguise (someone's true nature or a harsh reality) with an attractive appearance.
"The corporation veneered its exploitative labor practices with a massive public relations campaign about sustainability."
• Rhymes for veneer
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Early 18th century (as a verb): from German 'furnieren' meaning 'to furnish or inlay', derived from Old French 'fournir' meaning 'to furnish'.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.