taper 1
— taperer , n. — taperingly , adv.
/tay"peuhr/ , v.i.
1. to become smaller or thinner toward one end.
2. to grow gradually lean.
v.t.
3. to make gradually smaller toward one end.
4. to reduce gradually.
5. taper off ,
a. to become gradually more slender toward one end.
b. to cease by degrees; decrease; diminish: The storm is beginning to taper off now. I haven't stopped smoking entirely, but I'm tapering off to three cigarettes a day.
n.
6. gradual diminution of width or thickness in an elongated object.
7. gradual decrease of force, capacity, etc.
8. anything having a tapering form, as a spire or obelisk.
9. a candle, esp. a very slender one.
10. a long wick coated with wax, tallow, or the like, as for use in lighting candles or gas.
[ bef. 900; ME: wax candle, OE, var. of tapur, dissimilated var. of * papur PAPER ]
taper 2
/tay"peuhr/ , n.
a person who records or edits magnetic tape, videotape, etc.
[ TAPE + -ER 1 ]