noun / verb
veneer
vuh-NEER/vəˈnɪr/
A thin outer layer covering another material.
A thin oak veneer covers the cabinet's less expensive wood.
Etymology
A veneer was a layer of fine wood laid over common wood to make it look more beautiful or valuable. That contrast between surface and substance produced the figurative sense of an attractive outward show.
In context
… we had these interesting conversations about as josh mentioned filleting it into thin veneer so you could do a entire building out of it …
More examples
- The carpenter veneers the plywood panels with walnut.
- They veneered the fireplace surround with thin stone.
- Moisture causes the desk's veneer to peel at the edges.
Forms
veneer · veneers · veneered · veneering