veneer
n. C / Un. a thin layer of high-quality material, like wood, that covers a cheaper surface. It can also mean a fake appearance that hides someone's true feelings or a bad situation.
n. a thin layer of decorative material, typically fine wood, bonded to a surface of lesser quality. In a figurative sense, it refers to a superficial appearance or deceptive outward show that masks a different underlying reality.
The desk has a beautiful oak veneer.
Behind his veneer of professional calm, the manager was actually quite nervous about the presentation.
The historic building's polished stone veneer was meticulously restored, though the structural integrity of the concrete beneath remained a concern for the engineering team.
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.
Often used with 'of' in figurative contexts (e.g., 'a veneer of respectability').