Main Entry: ¹ta·per

Pronunciation: \ˈtā-pər\

Function: noun

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

Date: before 12th century

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