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| ta·per [ táypər ] |
transitive and intransitive verb (past and past participle ta·pered, present participle ta·per·ing, 3rd person present singular ta·pers) |
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| Definition: |
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1. get or make narrower: to become narrower at one end, especially gradually, or make something do this
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2. reduce gradually: to become smaller in size or amount, or less important, especially gradually, or make something do this
  Sales of the first album are beginning to taper off.
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noun (plural ta·pers) |
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| Definition: |
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1. slim candle: a slim candle that is narrower at the top than at the bottom
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2. strip for transferring flame: a strip of wood or waxed paper used for taking a flame to light something else
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3. narrowing of shape: a gradual narrowing in the shape of something
a spire with a pronounced taper
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4. dim light: a faint source of light, e.g. from a small candle
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| [Pre-12th century. Alteration of Latin papyrus "papyrus," whose pith was used for candle wicks] |
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| ta·per·ing adjective |
| ta·per·ing·ly adverb |
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