Ta·per, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Tapered p. pr. & vb. n. Tapering.] To become gradually smaller toward one end; as, a sugar loaf tapers toward one end.
Ta·per·ing a. Becoming gradually smaller toward one end. -- Ta*per*ing*ly, adv.
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tapering
adj 1: gradually narrowed toward a point; "a tall tapering spire"
[syn: tapered]
2: becoming gradually narrower; "long tapering fingers";
"trousers with tapered legs" [syn: tapered, narrowing]
3: gradually decreasing until little remains [syn: dwindling,
tapering off]
n : the act of gradually lowering the size or amount; "the
doctor prescribed the tapering of the dose"