Definition of taper - Reverso English Dictionary
Verb
1.
gradual reductiontr./intr. reduce gradually in size or amounttr./intr.
- The storm's intensity will taper off by evening.
2.
physical objectstr. make something thinner at one endtr.
- The carpenter tapered the wooden legs of the table.
3.
physical objectsintr. become thinner at one endintr.
- The pencil tapers to a sharp point.
Noun
1.
processgradual reduction over time
- The taper of the noise was noticeable.
2.
shapenarrowing in shape
- The taper of the tower was elegant.
3.
body modificationTECH. cone-shaped item for ear stretchingTECH.
- She bought a taper for her new piercing.
4.
lightingDated slender wax candleDated
- She lit a taper for the dinner table.
Images of taper
narrowing in shape 
cone-shaped item for ear stretching 
slender wax candle
Expressions with taper
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become less in size, intensity, or activity
The pain will taper off after a few hours.
long, thin candle that narrows at the top, often used for lighting
She used a taper candle to light the others.
hairstyle with hair gradually shorter at the back
He asked the barber for a back taper.
tool part fits into another part
The drill bit uses a morse taper to fit securely.
training plan increasing intensity over time
His reverse taper helped him peak for the marathon.
metal pin with a tapered shape used to join parts
Insert the taper pin to hold the parts together.
tool for cutting threads inside a hole
He used a taper tap to thread the hole.
Origin of taper
Old English, taper (candle)
Terms with taper included in their meaning
💡 A powerful way to uncover related words, idioms, and expressions linked by the same idea — and explore meaning beyond exact word matches.
clothing
tight-fitting jeans that taper at the ankle
tools
sharpen or taper an object
taper
become sharp or pointed
Examples of taper in a sentence
Her enthusiasm for the project started to taper over time. She tapered the candle to fit the holder. The artist tapered the brush for fine details. The candle tapers toward its base. Its long tail tapers at the tip. The taper of the light was gradual.
We noticed the taper in the sound levels. The candle's taper allowed it to fit snugly in the holder. The artist admired the taper of the sculpture's base. He chose a blue taper for his ear. The taper was perfect for gradually stretching her earlobe. A single taper flickered in the dark room. He placed a taper on the mantelpiece.
View all translations of taper
Click below to see the appropriate translations facing each meaning.
- French:diminuer, diminution, ...
- German:nachlassen, Abklingen, ...
- Italian:diminuire, rastrematura, ...
- Spanish:disminuir, disminución, ...
- Portuguese:diminuir gradualmente, redução gradual, ...
- Chinese:逐渐减少, 渐弱, ...
- Japanese:弱まる, 減少, ...
- Arabic:خَفّ, تدرج تناقصي, ...
- Hebrew:לְהַפְחִית בְּהַדְרָגָה, הַפְחָתָה הֲדַרְגָתִית, ...
- Russian:сужаться, уменьшение, ...
- Ukrainian:зменшуватися, поступове зменшення, ...
- Hindi:धीरे-धीरे कम होना, क्रमिक कमी, ...
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