taper
verb [ I or T ] uk/ˈteɪ.pər/ us/ˈteɪ.pɚ/
（使）一端逐渐变窄
to become gradually narrower at one end, or to make something do this
Then you'll come to a place where the pavement tapers off and the dirt road begins. 然后你就会走到一个地方，人行道逐渐变窄，然后变成泥地。
Phrasal verb
taper off 逐渐变小;逐步减弱
to become gradually smaller or weaker, or happen less often
Her voice tapered off as she realized everyone was listening. 当她意识到大家都在听时，她的声音就越来越小了。
Sales have gradually tapered off. 销售额逐渐下滑。
taper
noun [ C ] uk/ˈteɪ.pər/ us/ˈteɪ.pɚ/
细枝小蜡烛； 点火木片；灯芯；烛芯
a very thin candle or a very thin strip of wood, used especially in the past for lighting candles, fires, etc.