Hypertext Webster Gateway: "taper"
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)
Taper \Ta"per\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Tapered}; p. pr. & vb. n.
{Tapering}.]
To become gradually smaller toward one end; as, a sugar loaf
tapers toward one end.
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)
Taper \Ta"per\, v. t.
To make or cause to taper.
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)
Taper \Ta"per\, n. [AS. tapur, tapor, taper; cf. Ir. tapar, W.
tampr.]
1. A small wax candle; a small lighted wax candle; hence, a
small light.
Get me a taper in my study, Lucius. --Shak.
2. A tapering form; gradual diminution of thickness in an
elongated object; as, the taper of a spire.
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)
Taper \Ta"per\, a. [Supposed to be from taper, n., in allusion
to its form.]
Regularly narrowed toward the point; becoming small toward
one end; conical; pyramidical; as, taper fingers.
From WordNet (r) 1.7 (wn)
taper
n 1: a convex shape that narrows toward a point
2: the property possessed by a shape that narrows toward a
point (as a wedge or cone)
3: a loosely woven cord (in a candle or oil lamp) that draws
fuel by capillary action up into the flame [syn: {wick}]
4: stick of wax with a wick in the middle [syn: {candle}, {wax
light}]
v 1: diminish gradually; "Interested tapered off"
2: give a point to; "The candles are tapered" [syn: {sharpen},
{point}]
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