taper Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a convex shape that narrows toward a point
  2. noun the property possessed by a shape that narrows toward a point (as a wedge or cone)
  3. noun a loosely woven cord (in a candle or oil lamp) that draws fuel by capillary action up into the flame
    wick.
  4. noun stick of wax with a wick in the middle
    wax light; candle.
  5. verb diminish gradually
    • Interested tapered off
  6. verb give a point to
    sharpen; point.
    • The candles are tapered

WordNet

Ta"per noun
Etymology
AS. tapur, tapor, taper; cf. Ir. tapar, W. tampr.
Definitions
  1. A small wax candle; a small lighted wax candle; hence, a small light.
    Get me a taper in my study, Lucius. Shak.
  2. A tapering form; gradual diminution of thickness in an elongated object; as, the taper of a spire.
Ta"per adjective
Etymology
Supposed to be from taper, n., in allusion to its form.
Definitions
  1. Regularly narrowed toward the point; becoming small toward one end; conical; pyramidical; as, taper fingers.
Ta"per intransitive verb
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Tapered ; present participle & verbal noun Tapering
Definitions
  1. To become gradually smaller toward one end; as, a sugar loaf tapers toward one end.
Ta"per transitive verb
Definitions
  1. To make or cause to taper.

Webster 1913