Real Dictionary

veneer
Veneer is a thin layer of wood or plastic which is used to improve the appearance of something.
singular noun: If you refer to the pleasant way that someone or something appears as a veneer, you are critical of them because you believe that their true, hidden nature is not good.

veneer in American English
a thin surface layer of fine wood or costly material laid over a base of common material
to cover with a thin layer of more costly material; esp., to cover (wood) with wood of finer quality
noun: a thin layer of wood or other material for facing or inlaying wood
transitive verb: to overlay or face (wood) with thin sheets of some material, as a fine wood, ivory, or tortoise shell

veneer in British English
to cover (a surface) with a veneer
noun: a thin layer of wood, plastic, etc, with a decorative or fine finish that is bonded to the surface of a less expensive material, usually wood