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View synonyms for taper

taper

1

[tey-per]

verb (used without object)

  1. to become smaller or thinner toward one end.

  2. to grow gradually lean.



verb (used with object)

  1. to make gradually smaller toward one end.

  2. to reduce gradually.

noun

  1. gradual diminution of width or thickness in an elongated object.

  2. gradual decrease of force, capacity, etc.

  3. anything having a tapering form, as a spire or obelisk.

  4. a candle, especially a very slender one.

  5. a long wick coated with wax, tallow, or the like, as for use in lighting candles or gas.

verb phrase

  1. taper off

    1. to become gradually more slender toward one end.

    2. to cease by degrees; decrease; diminish.

      The storm is beginning to taper off now.

      I haven't stopped smoking entirely, but I'm tapering off to three cigarettes a day.

taper

2

[tey-per]

noun

  1. a person who records or edits magnetic tape, videotape, etc.

taper

/ ˈteɪpə /

verb

  1. to become or cause to become narrower towards one end

    the spire tapers to a point

  2. (often foll by off) to become or cause to become smaller or less significant

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

noun

  1. a thin candle

  2. a thin wooden or waxed strip for transferring a flame; spill

  3. a narrowing

  4. engineering (in conical parts) the amount of variation in the diameter per unit of length

  5. any feeble source of light

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Other Word Forms

  • taperer noun
  • tapering adjective
  • taperingly adverb
  • untapering adjective
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Word History and Origins

Origin of taper1

First recorded before 900; from Middle English: “wax candle,” from Old English, variant of tapur, dissimilated variant of unattested papur paper

Origin of taper2

First recorded in 1980–85; tape + -er 1
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Word History and Origins

Origin of taper1

Old English tapor, probably from Latin papӯrus papyrus (from its use as a wick)
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Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

And in time, many will taper off their medication too.

Read more on BBC

Regarding uncertainties over how tariffs would impact inflation and corporate profitability, those worries have tapered off as time has passed.

Read more on MarketWatch

Contrary to earlier assumptions that the asteroid came from the south, their analysis shows the SPA basin tapers toward the south, meaning the asteroid likely arrived from the north.

Read more on Science Daily

“It’s a collective thing. I can’t taper that for individuals, but I can certainly be conscious of pacing and understanding. I don’t think I’m aloof enough to not have that in my mind.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The government is widely expected to change the two-child limit in November's Budget, with reports suggesting the Treasury is looking at different options to replace it, including a tapered system.

Read more on BBC

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tape playertape-record