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tape out

C1 neutral separable transitive
In simple words

To use tape to show the shape or size of something on the floor or a surface, or (in tech) to finish designing a computer chip.

Literal meaning: To use tape to draw out the outline of something.

Meanings

1 B2 neutral

To mark the shape, dimensions, or position of something on a surface using tape.

"Before buying new furniture, they taped out the dimensions of the sofa on the living room floor."

Grammar: separable
2 C1 idiomatic neutral

(Semiconductor/Electronics technical) To finalise a chip or circuit design and submit it to a manufacturer for production.

"The engineering team celebrated after they taped out their first processor design."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

In everyday contexts, commonly used in construction, interior design, or theatre to mark where something should be placed. In the semiconductor industry, 'tape out' is a major milestone where the chip design is finalised and sent to a manufacturer. The technical meaning is jargon.

Commonly used with

floor plan dimensions chip design room stage layout

Forms

Base
tape out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
tapes out
he/she/it
Past simple
taped out
yesterday
Past participle
taped out
have + pp
-ing form
taping out
continuous

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