Taper: meaning, definitions and examples

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taper

 

[ ˈteɪpər ]

Noun / Verb
Context #1 | Noun

tool

A slender wax candle

Synonyms

candle, wick

Examples of usage

  • She lit a taper to illuminate the room
  • The taper burned slowly
Context #2 | Noun

shape

A gradual decrease or narrowing

Synonyms

decrease, narrowing

Examples of usage

  • The road began to taper as it reached the mountain
  • The taper of the dress accentuated her figure
Context #3 | Verb

shape

To become gradually thinner or smaller towards one end

Synonyms

narrow, shrink

Examples of usage

  • The tower tapers towards the top
  • His fingers tapered elegantly

Translations

Translations of the word "taper" in other languages:

🇵🇹 afinar

🇮🇳 तिरछा करना

🇩🇪 taper

🇮🇩 meruncing

🇺🇦 загострювати

🇵🇱 stożkować

🇯🇵 テーパーする

🇫🇷 conique

🇪🇸 afilar

🇹🇷 konikleşmek

🇰🇷 점점 가늘어지다

🇸🇦 تضييق

🇨🇿 zužovat

🇸🇰 zužovať

🇨🇳 锥形

🇸🇮 zožiti

🇮🇸 vísa

🇰🇿 конус жасау

🇬🇪 კონსერვაცია

🇦🇿 daraltmaq

🇲🇽 afilar

Etymology

The word 'taper' originated from the Old English word 'tapur' which meant a wax candle. Over time, it evolved to also refer to a gradual decrease or narrowing. The verb form of 'taper' developed from the noun, reflecting the idea of something becoming thinner towards one end. The multiple meanings of 'taper' make it a versatile word in English language.

See also: tapestry.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,078, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.