English Explanatory Dictionary

veneer

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. A thin decorative covering of fine material (usually wood) applied to coarser wood or other material.
  2. An attractive appearance that covers or disguises one's true nature or feelings, the veneer of culture.
verb
  1. To apply veneer to.
  2. To disguise with apparent goodness.

Pronunciation

/vəˈnɪə(ɹ)/ /vəˈnɪɹ/ En-us-veneer.ogg

Word forms

veneer veneers veneering veneered

Etymology

From German Furnier, from furnieren (“to inlay, cover with a veneer”), from French fournir (“to furnish, accomplish”), from Middle French fornir, from Old French fornir, furnir (“to furnish”), from Old Frankish frumjan (“to provide”), from Proto-Germanic *frumjaną (“to further, promote”). Cognate with Old High German frumjan, frummen (“to accomplish, execute, provide”), Old English fremian (“to promote, perform”). More at furnish.

Derived words

brick veneer masonry veneer reed veneer stone veneer veneer moth veneer saw veneer theory wainscot veneer
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