veneer

Meanings

Noun

• A thin decorative covering of fine material (usually wood) applied to coarser wood or other material.
• An attractive appearance that covers or disguises true nature or feelings.

Verb

• To apply veneer to.
• To disguise with apparent goodness.

Origin

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