expand vs taper

expand

verb
  • To change (something) from a smaller form or size to a larger one; to spread out or lay open. 

  • To become, by rewriting, a longer, yet equivalent sum of terms. 

  • To feel generous or optimistic. 

  • To multiply both the numerator and the denominator of a fraction by the same natural number yielding a fraction of equal value 

  • To change or grow from smaller to larger in form, number, or size. 

  • To rewrite (an expression) as a longer, yet equivalent sum of terms. 

  • To increase the extent, number, volume or scope of (something). 

  • To express (something) at length and/or in detail. 

  • To increase in extent, number, volume or scope. 

  • To speak or write at length or in detail. 

taper

verb
  • To make thinner or narrower at one end. 

  • To diminish gradually. 

  • To become thinner or narrower at one end. 

  • (of a central bank) To tighten monetary policy. 

adj
  • Tapered; narrowing to a point. 

noun
  • A small light. 

  • A cone-shaped item for stretching the hole for an ear gauge (piercing). 

  • Someone who works with tape or tapes. 

  • A thin stick used for lighting candles, either a wax-coated wick or a slow-burning wooden rod. 

  • One who operates a tape machine. 

  • A slender wax candle. 

  • A tapering form; gradual diminution of thickness and/or cross section in an elongated object. 

How often have the words expand and taper occurred in a corpus of books? (source: Google Ngram Viewer )