taper

A shape that gradually becomes thinner or narrower towards one end.

• The tower has a gentle taper.
• The taper of the handle makes it comfortable to hold.
• A steeper taper produces a sharper point.

Common phrases: gradual taper, slight taper, taper of something

A long, thin candle made of wax.

• She lit a taper.
• Two wax tapers burned beside the mirror.
• He carried a taper through the dark hall.

Similar words: candle

Common phrases: wax taper, light a taper, burning taper

The part of an object that gradually becomes thinner or narrower.

• Clean the taper before fitting the tool.
• Dirt on the spindle taper can affect accuracy.
• The mechanic checked both tapers for damage.

Common phrases: spindle taper, tool taper, clean the taper

To make something gradually thinner or narrower towards one end.

• Taper the wood at one end.
• She tapered the handle to fit his hand.
• The carpenter is tapering the legs of the chair.

How to use it: taper something to something (Taper the stick to a fine point.)

Similar words: narrow

Opposites: widen

Common phrases: taper something gradually, taper the edges, taper to something