Meaning

noun a convex shape that narrows toward a point

noun the property possessed by a shape that narrows toward a point (as a wedge or cone)

noun a loosely woven cord (in a candle or oil lamp) that draws fuel by capillary action up into the flame

originFrom Middle English taper, from Old English tapor (“taper, candle, wick of a lamp”), of uncertain origin. Perhaps from Latin papyrus (“papyrus", used in Mediaeval times to mean "wick of a candle”). If so, it is a doublet of papyrus. Alternatively, of Celtic origin related to Irish tapar (“taper”), Welsh tampr (“a taper, torch”); further compare Sanskrit तपती (tápati, “(it) warms, gives out heat,…

Etymology from Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 3.0