/və'nɪə(r); və`nɪr/
n
1 [C, U] (thin layer of) decorative wood or plastic glued to the surface of cheaper wood (for furniture, etc) 薄片镶饰（粘在廉价木料上的木质或塑料薄层, 如家具等上的）.
2 [sing] ~ (of sth) (fig usu derog 比喻, 通常作贬义) superficial appearance (of politeness, etc) covering or disguising the true nature of sb/sth 虚假的外表; 虚饰
*a thin veneer of Western civilization 西方文明之金玉其外. Cf 参看 gloss1 2.

v [Tn, Tn.pr] ~ sth (with sth) put a veneer on (a surface) 在（某物表面）上加薄片镶饰
*veneer a deal desk with walnut 给松木书桌镶上胡桃木薄板.

n
[Date: 1700-1800; Language: German;Origin: furnier, from furnieren 'to veneer', from French fournir; FURNISH]
[U and C]
a thin layer of wood or plastic that covers the surface of a piece of furniture made of cheaper material, to make it look better
walnut/maple/oak etc veneer
a veneer of politeness/sophistication etc
formal behaviour that hides someone's real character or feelings
　A thin veneer of politeness hid Lady Bride's growing anger.