to become smaller or thinner toward one end.

to grow gradually lean.

to make gradually smaller toward one end.

to reduce gradually.

gradual diminution of width or thickness in an elongated object.

gradual decrease of force, capacity, etc.

anything having a tapering form, as a spire or obelisk.

a candle, esp. a very slender one.

a long wick coated with wax, tallow, or the like, as for use in lighting candles or gas. ?

taper off,

to become gradually more slender toward one end.

to cease by degrees; decrease; diminish

The storm is beginning to taper off now. I haven't stopped smoking entirely, but I'm tapering off to three cigarettes a day.

verb

go up , increase , rise

verb

abate , bate , close , die away , die out , diminish , drain , dwindle , fade , lessen , narrow , recede , reduce , rescind , subside , taper off , thin , thin out , wane , weaken , wind down , ebb , let up , peter , rebate , tail away , acuminate , candle , decrease , light , wick

noun

abatement , curtailment , cut , cutback , decrement , diminishment , diminution , drain , reduction , slash , slowdown