What is Truncation and How Does it Work?

Truncation, also known as derivation, is a search technique used in databases to broaden the search to include multiple word endings and spellings. To use truncation, you enter the root of a word and add a truncation symbol at the end. This will return results that include any endings of that root word. Truncation is also referred to as wildcard search, as it allows you to search for a term and its spelling variants simultaneously.

Truncation is useful when you know that one of your search terms has multiple endings, but all variations represent the same idea. Different databases use different truncation symbols, so it is important to check the information in the database “Help” or “Search Tips” for details on which symbol to use. For example, entering 'building*' with a truncation symbol will search for construction, building, buildings, constructor, etc. In banking, truncation is used in a more specific way to refer to a simplified electronic check registration system in which the bank does not return canceled checks to customers.

In mathematics, truncating is shortening a number by removing some of the digits after the decimal. In poetry, truncation refers to the practice of omitting syllables at the beginning or end of a line. Truncation can also be applied to physical things. For example, you can truncate a tree trunk by cutting it down to the stump.

In scientific and medical contexts, truncation often involves cutting a part of something parallel to its base (or perpendicular to its side). The truncation of the last part was only done to stay within the word count; there was nothing wrong with it. Truncation is very useful when searching databases such as EBSCO (Academic Search Premier, Business Source Premier, Agricultural, PsycInfo, CAB Abstracts, etc.). It will help you complete your search faster and increase the number of search results found.

In conclusion, truncation is a search technique used in databases in which the ending of a word is replaced by a symbol. This allows different forms of a word to be searched simultaneously and will increase the number of search results found.