The term 'make taut or tauter' can be summarized by the crossword solution TAUTEN, which is a 6-letter word. TAUTEN is a verb that means to make something tight or taut, usually referring to a rope or string. It is derived from the Middle English word 'tawten, ' which means to draw tight. This term is often used in sailing and other nautical activities, as well as in carpentry and other crafts.