Definition of: taper

(tā′pər) noun
1. A small candle; a burning wick or other light substance giving but feeble illumination.
2. A gradual diminution of size in an elongated object: the taper of a mast; also, any tapering object, as a cone.
—v.t. & v.i
1. To make or become smaller or thinner toward one end.
2. To lessen gradually; diminish: with off.
—adjective Growing small by degrees in one direction. ♦ Homophone: tapir. [OE, dissimilated var. of Med. L papyrus taper, wick <L, papyrus; from the use of the pith of the papyrus as a wick]