taper

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

Other Household Terms

cruet, curiosity, duvet, fiasco, sham, valance, whatnot

Rhymes with TAPER

aper, caper, draper, japer, paper, raper, scraper, shaper, vapor