taper
Concise Oxford English Dictionary © 2008 Oxford University Press:
taper/ˈteɪpə(r)/
▶verb
- 1 reduce in thickness towards one end.
- 2 (taper off) gradually lessen.
■ a wick coated with wax, used for conveying a flame.
– origin OE, dissimilated form (by alt. of p- to t-) of L. papyrus (see papyrus), the pith of which was used for candle wicks.
'taper' also found in these Oxford entries:
