1 taper | Definition of taper
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taper

verb
ta·​per | \ ˈtā-pər How to pronounce taper (audio) \
tapered; tapering\ ˈtā-​p(ə-​)riŋ How to pronounce tapering (audio) \

Definition of taper

 (Entry 1 of 4)

intransitive verb

1 : to become progressively smaller toward one end
2 : to diminish gradually

transitive verb

: to cause to taper

taper

noun (1)

Definition of taper (Entry 2 of 4)

1a : a slender candle
b : a long waxed wick used especially for lighting candles, lamps, pipes, or fires
c : a feeble light
2a : a tapering form or figure
b : gradual diminution of thickness, diameter, or width in an elongated object
c : a gradual decrease

taper

adjective

Definition of taper (Entry 3 of 4)

1 : progressively narrowed toward one end
2 : furnished with or adjusted to a scale : graduated taper freight rates

taper

noun (2)
tap·​er | \ ˈtā-pər How to pronounce taper (audio) \

Definition of taper (Entry 4 of 4)

: one that applies or dispenses tape
Synonyms & Antonyms Example Sentences Learn More about taper

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Examples of taper in a Sentence

Verb

 leaves that taper to a point you'll find the symptoms begin tapering gradually about 24 hours after you take the medicine

First Known Use of taper

Verb

1610, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Noun (1)

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (2)

circa 1920, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for taper

Noun (1)

Middle English, from Old English tapor candle, wick, perhaps modification of Latin papyrus papyrus

Noun (2)

tape entry 1

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More Definitions for taper

taper

verb
How to pronounce taper (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of taper

: to become gradually smaller toward one end

See the full definition for taper in the English Language Learners Dictionary

taper

noun
ta·​per | \ ˈtā-pər How to pronounce taper (audio) \

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