taper
/ˈteɪpɚ/
Word Rarity
Rare
Frequency: Zipf frequency 3.30 in modern English
7
Scrabble Score
5
Letters
2
Syllables
5
Unique Chars
Meaning
noun
A tapering form; gradual diminution of thickness and/or cross section in an elongated object.
noun
noun
A long wick or thin stick used for transferring flames to candles, now usually chemically-treated to burn particularly slowly.
noun
A cone-shaped item for stretching the hole for an ear gauge (piercing).
Example Sentences
- "Strike on the Tinder, hoa: Giue me a Taper […]"
- "Take not away the Taper, leaue it burning […]"
- "He who receives an idea from me, receives instruction himself without lessening mine; as he who lights his taper at mine, receives light without darkening me."
- "The red glare of the tapers flung a strange unnatural hue on the painted windows of the little Gothic chapel, where none slept save the noble of name, and the high of blood—purple and crimson, the colours mingled together in fantastic combinations, till the rainbow-hued figures seemed to move with supernatural life."
- "Love used to carry a bow, you know, But now he carries a taper; It is either a length of wax aglow, Or a twist of lighted paper."
- "the taper of a spire"
Etymology
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.
Origin
- Source language: Middle English
- First known use: First attested before the 12th c.
Word Breakdown
Regional Pronunciation
- American English: /ˈteɪpɚ/
- British English: /ˈteɪpə/