Sekirov Dictionary

taper

UK /ˈteɪpə/US /ˈteɪpɚ/

noun 10
verb 4
adjective 1
forms 3
phrases 1

noun10

•
A tapering form; gradual diminution of thickness and/or cross section in an elongated object.
- The legs of the table had a slight taper to them.
The portion of an object with such a form.
Ellipsis of machine taper.
(figurative) Gradual reduction over time.
•
A slender wax candle.
- Strike on the Tinder, hoa: Giue me a Taper […] — 1603
A small light.
A long wick or thin stick used for transferring flames to candles, now usually chemically-treated to burn particularly slowly.
One who operates a tape machine.
Someone who works with tape or tapes.
A cone-shaped item for stretching the hole for an ear gauge (piercing).

verb4

•
To make thinner or narrower at one end.
- Though true cylinders without — within, the villainous green goggling glasses deceitfully tapered downwards to a cheating bottom. — 1851
To become thinner or narrower at one end.
•
To diminish gradually.
- Current major clinical practice guidelines provide little support for clinicians wishing to help patients discontinue or taper antidepressants in terms of mitigating and managing withdrawal symptoms. — 2022
To tighten monetary policy.

adjective1

Tapered; narrowing to a point.

forms

tapered · tapering · tapers

Phrases with taper

taper off
To diminish or lessen gradually; to become or make smaller, slower, quieter, etc.

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