What symbols are used in truncation?

Truncation a symbol added to the end of the root of a word to tell the database to search for all forms of a word. The asterisk (*) is used in many databases for truncation. There are several wild symbols that can be used in various databases, such as EBSCOhost and ProQuest, to improve the search string. Truncation is a search method in which symbols are used instead of letters or words to help you broaden your search.

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. Truncation is a search technique used in databases in which the ending of a word is replaced by a symbol. If you truncate a term, you are adding a symbol, such as an asterisk, to the root of a word so that the computer will find that root plus anything that comes after it.