verb
taper
TAY-puh
verb
1
To become gradually narrower toward one end.
"The candle tapers to a fine point at the top."
2
To decrease or reduce gradually.
"Her medication dose will taper off over the next few weeks."
"The central bank began to taper its bond-buying program."
How to Use Taper
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo narrow gradually, or to gradually reduce something like a dose, habit, or policy.
Common pairings
taper off
taper a dose
tapered trousers
Word Forms
tapered past tense, tapers plural, tapers singular
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The candle _____ to a fine point at the top.
Etymology
From Old English tapor, an early word for a candle or wick, whose exact origin remains uncertain, though some link it to Latin papyrus.