taper

(tāˈpər)

1. A small or very slender candle.
2. A long wax-coated wick used to light candles or gas lamps.
3. A source of feeble light.
4. a. A gradual decrease in thickness or width of an elongated object.
   b. A gradual decrease, as in action or force.

1. To become gradually narrower or thinner toward one end.
2. To diminish or lessen gradually. Often used with off: The storm finally tapered off.

1. To make thinner or narrower at one end.
2. To make smaller gradually.

Related Forms:

• taˈper·ing·ly adverb