Pronunciation: [tˈe͡ɪpə hˈə͡ʊldəz] (IPA) 
Taper holders, which are commonly used to hold candles, are spelled with the IPA phonetic transcription /ˈteɪpər ˈhəʊldəz/. The first part, "taper," is pronounced with a long "a" sound (/eɪ/) and a soft "p" sound (/p/) followed by a schwa sound (/ə/). The second part, "holders," is pronounced with a soft "h" sound (/h/) followed by an "oh" sound (/oʊ/), a soft "l" sound (/l/), a "d" sound (/d/), and an "er" sound (/əz/).
Taper holders are decorative or functional objects specifically designed to hold taper candles. Taper candles are long, slender candles that typically come with a pointed end and are wider at the base, gradually tapering towards the top. These candles are commonly used for various occasions, including special events, religious ceremonies, or simply as decorative accents. Taper holders serve the purpose of securely holding these candles upright and providing a safe and stable platform for them to burn.
Taper holders come in a wide range of styles, shapes, and materials to match different preferences and decorative themes. They can be made of metal, glass, ceramic, or other materials, and may be simple or elaborately designed with intricate patterns or embellishments. Some common types of taper holders include candlesticks, candelabras, candle holders with multiple branches or arms, wall-mounted sconces, or freestanding holders.
Besides their purely functional purpose, taper holders often add an aesthetic flair to any space. They can enhance the ambiance of a room and create an inviting and cozy atmosphere. Taper holders are frequently used in various settings, including dining tables, mantelpieces, windowsills, and outdoor spaces. In addition to their decorative value, taper holders also provide practicality by catching the dripping wax from the burning taper, preventing it from damaging surfaces or creating a mess.
In summary, taper holders are objects designed to hold taper candles securely and safely. They come in various designs and materials and serve the double purpose of both functional candle holders and decorative accents.
The word "taper holders" does not have a distinct etymology since it is a combination of two separate words. However, we can examine the etymology of each word individually:
1. Taper: The word "taper" comes from the Latin word "tapēs", which means a wax candle. It then evolved into the Old English word "tapur" and eventually became "taper" in Middle English.
2. Holders: The word "holder" originates from the Old English word "healdan", which means to keep or hold. It has remained relatively unchanged throughout history.
Therefore, "taper holders" can be understood as a combination of two words: "taper" referring to a wax candle, and "holders" referring to those objects designed to keep or hold something.
