taper
1 of 2verb/ˈteɪpər/
Forms:tapers,tapering,tapered,tapered
1
to become smaller in size, amount, or number over time
- By the end of the year, the energy consumption will have tapered due to the installation of energy-efficient systems.
- As the project nears completion, the workload begins to taper.
- The enthusiasm for the event is tapering as the date approaches.
- After the peak season, customer inquiries tapered.
- The intensity of the storm was tapering as it moved away from the coast.
2
to gradually reduce the thickness or width of something towards one end
transitive- The carpenter carefully tapered the edges of the wooden dowel to create a sharp point for the arrow.
- The artist used a fine chisel to taper the marble block, sculpting it into a delicate, pointed finial.
- The blacksmith heated the metal rod and skillfully tapered it to form a sharp tip for the fence post.
- She used a pencil sharpener to taper the end of the drawing pencil, ensuring precise lines for her sketches.
- The chef expertly tapered the vegetable slices, creating elegant, pointed garnishes for the dish.