taper Meaning & Definition
What Does Taper Mean?
Taper is a noun that means A slender wax candle. It is also used to mean A small light. As a verb, it means To make thinner or narrower at one end. As an adjective, it means Tapered; narrowing to a point.
Taper at a Glance
| Part of speech | noun, verb, adjective |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | /ˈteɪpə/ |
| Synonyms | point, wick and sharpen |
| Plural | tapers |
| Verb forms | tapers, tapering, tapered |
Taper Definition (Noun)
- A slender wax candle.
- A small light.
- A tapering form; gradual diminution of thickness and/or cross section in an elongated object.
the taper of a spire
- The portion of an object with such a form.
ensuring the cleanliness of the taper of a machine tool spindle or of a tool shank
- Ellipsis of machine taper.
- A long wick or thin stick used for transferring flames to candles, now usually chemically-treated to burn particularly slowly.
- A cone-shaped item for stretching the hole for an ear gauge (piercing).
- Gradual reduction over time.
a drug taper
Taper as a Verb
- To make thinner or narrower at one end.
- To become thinner or narrower at one end.
- To diminish gradually.
- To tighten monetary policy.
Taper as an Adjective
- Tapered; narrowing to a point.
Noun
- One who operates a tape machine.
- Someone who works with tape or tapes.
Noun
- A slender wax candle; a small lighted wax candle
- (by extension) a small light.
- A thin stick used for lighting candles, either a wax-coated wick or a slow-burning wooden rod.
Synonyms of Taper
Taper synonyms and antonyms →Taper in a Sentence
the taper of a spire
The legs of the table had a slight taper to them.
ensuring the cleanliness of the taper of a machine tool spindle or of a tool shank
a drug taper
Word Forms & Grammar
taper (plural tapers)
taper (third-person singular simple present tapers, present participle tapering, simple past and past participle tapered)
taper
Words That Rhyme With Taper
Origin of Taper
Origin 1: From Middle English taper, perhaps influenced by Old French taper (“taper, slender candle or light”); otherwise from Old English tapor (“taper, candle, wick of a lamp”), of uncertain origin. Perhaps from Latin papyrus (“papyrus", used in Mediaeval times to mean "wick of a candle”); If so, it is a doublet of papyrus . Alternatively, Old English tapor may be of Celtic origin related to Irish tapar (“taper”), Welsh tampr (“a taper, torch”); further compare Sanskrit तपती (tápati, “(it) warms, gives out heat, is hot; (it) heats”). More at tepid. First attested before the 12th c.
Origin 2: From tape + -er.
Quick Answers About Taper
Is taper a noun or a verb?
Taper is mainly used as a noun, but it can also be used as a verb and an adjective.
What is another word for taper?
Words with a similar meaning to taper include point, wick and sharpen. See the full list of taper synonyms and antonyms.
What is the plural of taper?
The plural of taper is tapers.
What is the past tense of taper?
The past tense of taper is tapered. The present participle is tapering.