taper Hear it!

taper definition

ta·per (tā′pər)

noun

  1. a wax candle, esp. a long, slender one
  2. a long wick coated with wax, used for lighting candles, lamps, etc.
  3. any feeble light
    1. a gradual decrease in width or thickness the taper of a pyramid
    2. a gradual decrease in action, power, etc.
  5. something that tapers

Etymology: ME < OE tapur, prob. by dissimilation < L papyrus (see paper): from use of papyrus pith as wick

adjective

gradually decreased in breadth or thickness toward one end

transitive verb, intransitive verb

  1. to decrease gradually in width or thickness
  2. to lessen; diminish
taper Idioms

taper off

  1. to become smaller gradually toward one end
  2. to diminish or stop gradually

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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