Definitions

from the GNU version of the Collaborative International Dictionary of English.

  • adjective Becoming gradually smaller toward one end.

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

  • verb Present participle of taper.
  • noun A tapered shape.

from WordNet 3.0 Copyright 2006 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.

  • adjective gradually decreasing until little remains
  • noun the act of gradually lowering the size or amount
  • adjective becoming gradually narrower

Etymologies

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Examples

  • FRIDAY'S FORECAST: Heavy rain tapering off, high 66.

    Relative Values 2010

  • Though the idea of tapering has received some attention on Wall Street of late, officials seem unlikely to want to follow that course this time unless they have some evidence that ending the program all at once in June might disrupt the functioning of the Treasury market.

    Fed Unlikely to Remove Its Economic Stimulus Just Yet Jon Hilsenrath 2011

  • Don't worry, you're going to see these Apple titles tapering off soon in favour of the emerging PC and the burgeoning console market.

    Games You Should Have Played - 1984 Greg Tannahill 2006

  • Don't worry, you're going to see these Apple titles tapering off soon in favour of the emerging PC and the burgeoning console market.

    Archive 2006-04-01 Greg Tannahill 2006

  • This tree is described as tapering and cone-like, with upright branches growing close to the trunk, and in its general appearance a little resembling a poplar.

    Among the Trees at Elmridge Ella Rodman Church

  • This tapering was the natural growth of the trunk; it was not, I mean, cut tapering with an ax.

    Buffalo Bird Woman's Garden 1917

  • After that I start tapering, which is the phase in an athletes 'training programme where the training work they perform is reduced.

    Belfasttelegraph.co.uk - Frontpage RSS Feed 2009

  • MAYOR ADRIAN FENTY, WASHINGTON: I think people who are used to the normal storm in Washington, d.c., would probably expect some kind of tapering off by now.

    CNN Transcript Dec 19, 2009 2009

  • Sometimes, strategic alterations, such as tapering the legs, can do wonders.

    A New Look for Old Pleated Pants 2009

  • Friends of mine have taken more gradual tactics that have also worked well, such as tapering off by allowing the pacifier only at certain times, such as bed and naptime, but not between.

    Time to ditch the paci? 2007

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