taper

• Nom désignant une forme qui va en s'effilant vers le bout, ou une fine bougie ou mèche utilisée dans les lampes.

A noun referring to a shape that narrows toward a point, or a slender candle or cord used in lamps.

1. Narrowing shapeB2formal

   A convex shape that gradually becomes narrower toward one end.

   Forme effilée

   • The taper of the mountain peak was clearly visible against the sky.
   • The tool has a gentle taper for precision work.
   • The design features a smooth taper from the base to the tip.

   Antonymesbulgeflareswellingwidening

2. Property of narrowingB2formal

   The property of a shape that narrows toward a point, like a wedge or cone.

   Rétrécissement progressif

   • The taper of the wedge helps it fit into tight spaces.
   • The cone's taper allows it to stand upright.
   • The architect emphasized the taper of the columns.

   Synonymesattenuationconvergencenarrowingtapering

3. Wick or cordC1formal

   A loosely woven cord in a candle or oil lamp that draws fuel upward by capillary action into the flame.

   Mèche (de bougie ou de lampe)

   • The taper in the oil lamp needs to be replaced.
   • He trimmed the taper to ensure an even burn.
   • The candle's taper was made of cotton fibers.

   Synonymescandlewickwick

4. B1formal

   A stick of wax with a wick in the middle, used as a candle.

   Bougie cylindrique

   • She lit a taper to illuminate the dark room.
   • The table was decorated with a single taper.
   • He used a taper to light the fireplace.

   Synonymescandledip

• Verbe signifiant diminuer progressivement en épaisseur, en largeur ou en intensité vers une extrémité, ou aller en s'amenuisant jusqu'à disparaître.

A verb used to indicate the act of gradually decreasing in thickness, width, or intensity towards one end.

1. Diminish graduallyB2formal

   To become gradually smaller, narrower, or less intense.

   Diminuer graduellement

   • The noise from the party began to taper off after midnight.
   • Her enthusiasm for the project tapered as the deadline approached.
   • The path tapers to a narrow trail near the summit.

   Synonymesabatedeclinedecreasediminishdwindlelessennarrowshrinksubsidewane

   Antonymesexpandgrowincreaseintensifyswell

2. Give a point toB2formal

   To shape something so that it becomes narrower or pointed at one end.

   Effiler en pointe

   • The carpenter tapered the end of the wooden leg to fit the hole.
   • She carefully tapered the pencil with a sharp knife.
   • The tailor tapered the sleeves of the jacket for a better fit.

   Synonymesattenuatenarrowpointsharpenthin

Variantes phrasaltaper off