taper
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About Our Definitions: All forms of a word (noun, verb, etc.) are now displayed on one page.1ta·per
noun \ˈtā-pər\Definition of TAPER
1
a : a slender candle b : a long waxed wick used especially for lighting candles, lamps, pipes, or fires c : a feeble light
2
a : a tapering form or figure b : gradual diminution of thickness, diameter, or width in an elongated object c : a gradual decrease
Origin of TAPER
Middle English, from Old English tapor candle, wick, perhaps modification of Latin papyrus papyrus
First Known Use: before 12th century
2taper
adjectiveDefinition of TAPER
1
: progressively narrowed toward one end
2
: furnished with or adjusted to a scale : graduated <taper freight rates>
First Known Use of TAPER
15th century
3taper
verbta·peredta·per·ing \ˈtā-p(ə-)riŋ\
Definition of TAPER
intransitive verb
1
: to become progressively smaller toward one end
2
: to diminish gradually
transitive verb
: to cause to taper
See Examples of TAPER
- 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
1610
Related to TAPER
- Synonyms
- abate, decline, de-escalate, die (away or down or out), diminish, drain (away), drop (off), dwindle, ease, ebb, fall, fall away, lessen, let up, lower, moderate, pall, phase down, ratchet (down) also rachet (down), recede, relent, remit, shrink, subside, decrease, taper off, wane
4tap·er
noun \ˈtā-pər\Definition of TAPER
: one that applies or dispenses tape
Origin of TAPER
1tape
First Known Use: circa 1920
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All Words Near: taper
Previous Word in the Dictionary: tape punch
All Words Near: taper
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