Make attempt to produce pattern of inlaid veneers (9)
I believe the answer is:
marquetry
'pattern of inlaid veneers' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both man-made objects as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?
'make attempt' is the wordplay.
'make' becomes 'marque' (I've seen this before).
'attempt' becomes 'try' (synonyms).
'marque'+'try'='MARQUETRY'
'to produce' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for marquetry that I've seen before include "Inlaid wood work" , "A decorative art" , "Art of wood inlay" , "Wood inlay work" , "Inlaid decoration used on furniture" .)