Definition of tape

The word "tape" has its origins in the 16th century, derived from the Latin word "tapere," which means "to fasten" or "to bind." This Latin word is also related to the Greek word "tapeinos," meaning "lowly" or "flat." During the 17th and 18th centuries, the word "tape" referred to a narrow strip of fabric or other material used for fastening or binding things together. In the late 19th century, the introduction of adhesive tapes for wrapping and binding led to the development of the modern meaning of the word, encompassing products like duct tape, masking tape, and Scotch tape. Today, the word "tape" is widely used to describe a range of products designed for sticking, binding, or recording purposes.