Webster's English Dictionary

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taper

1. ta.per \'ta--p*r\ n [ME, fr. OE tapor, taper] 1a: a long waxed wick used 
   esp. for lighting lamps, pipes, or fires  1b: a feeble light  2a: a 
   tapering form or figure  2b: gradual diminution of thickness, diameter, or 
   width in an elongated obj ect 2c: a gradual decrease 
2. taper aj 1: regularly narrowed toward a point  2: GRADUATED {~ freight 
   rates} 
3. taper \'ta--p(*-)rin\ vb or ta.per.ing 1: to make or become gradually 
   smaller toward one end  2: to diminish gradually 
4. tap.er \'ta--p*r\ n : one that applies tape (as to seal, label, protect 
   decorate, or strengthe n) by hand or by machine