1. [n]  memory device consisting of a long thin plastic strip coated with iron oxide; used to record audio or video signals or to store computer information; "he took along a dozen tapes to record the interview"
2. [n]  a long thin piece of cloth or paper as used for binding or fastening; "he used a piece of tape for a belt"; "he wrapped a tape around the package"
3. [n]  a recording made on magnetic tape; "the several recordings were combined on a master tape"
4. [n]  measuring instrument consisting of a narrow strip (cloth or metal) marked in inches or centimeters and used for measuring lengths; "the carpenter should have used his tape measure"
5. [n]  the finishing line for a foot race; "he broke the tape in record time"
6. [v]  register electronically
7. [v]  record on videotape
8. [v]  fasten or attach with tape; "tape the shipping label to the box"

1. \Tape\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Taped}; p. pr. & vb. n.
   {Taping}.]
   To furnish with tape; to fasten, tie, bind, or the like, with
   tape; specif. (Elec.), to cover (a wire) with insulating
   tape.
   

2. \Tape\, n. [AS. t[ae]ppe a fillet. Cf. {Tapestry},
   {Tippet}.]
   1. A narrow fillet or band of cotton or linen; a narrow woven
      fabric used for strings and the like; as, curtains tied
      with tape.
   2. A tapeline; also, a metallic ribbon so marked as to serve
      as a tapeline; as, a steel tape.
   {Red tape}. See under {Red}.
   {Tape grass} (Bot.), a plant ({Vallisneria spiralis}) with
      long ribbonlike leaves, growing in fresh or brackish
      water; -- called also {fresh-water eelgrass}, and, in
      Maryland, {wild celery}.
   {Tape needle}. See {Bodkin}, n., 4.
   

1. magnetic tape.

2. paper tape.