tapered end

Meanings

1. 1nouncountable

   The narrow part at one end of an object that becomes thinner toward that point.

   Grammar: Countable: you can say 'a tapered end' or 'the tapered ends' when talking about more than one.

   Patterns

   • the tapered end of something
   • a tapered end

   The tapered end of the baseball bat is easier to grip.

   Hold the tapered end of the carrot and cut the thick part first.

   The tapered end of the pipe fits into the wider opening.

2. 2nouncountabletechnical

   The pointed or gradually narrowing tip of a tool or instrument.

   Grammar: Often used with 'the' when referring to a specific tool: 'the tapered end of the chisel'.

   Patterns

   • the tapered end of a tool
   • at the tapered end

   The tapered end of the chisel is sharpened for detailed work.

   Insert the tapered end of the screwdriver into the slot.

   The tapered end of the needle makes it easier to sew thick fabric.

Word forms

Common combinations

the tapered end of

The tapered end of the rope is easier to thread through the hole.

at the tapered end

The handle is thicker at the tapered end.

a tapered end

You need a tapered end to fit into that small opening.

tapered end piece

The tapered end piece connects the two pipes.

Synonyms and how they differ

pointed end

Use 'pointed end' when the tip is sharp and comes to a point; 'tapered end' is wider and narrows gradually.

narrow end

'Narrow end' just means the thin side; 'tapered end' suggests a smooth, gradual change in thickness.

Opposites

Word family

taper verb

To become gradually narrower toward one end.

tapered adjective

Having a shape that is thinner at one end.

Commonly confused: tapered end or tipped end?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “tapered end”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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