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Added 9 October 2026

taper

/ˈteɪpə/ noun

Latin root: papyrus Wiktionary

noun Definition from WordNet 3.1, Princeton University. Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about taper at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

A convex shape that narrows toward a point.
The property possessed by a shape that narrows toward a point (as a wedge or cone).
A loosely woven cord (in a candle or oil lamp) that draws fuel by capillary action up into the flame.

verb

Diminish gradually.
Interested tapered off
Give a point to.
The candles are tapered

Origin

From Middle English taper, from Old English tapor (“taper, candle, wick of a lamp”), of uncertain origin. Perhaps from Latin papyrus (“papyrus", used in Mediaeval times to mean "wick of a candle”); If so, it is a doublet of papyrus; but compare Old French taper (“taper, slender candle or light”). Alternatively, of Celtic origin related to Irish tapar (“taper”), Welsh tampr (“a taper, torch”); further compare Sanskrit तपती (tápati, “(it) warms, gives out heat, is hot; (it) heats”). More at tepid. First attested before the 12th c.

From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)

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