Truncation

Truncation allows you to search the "root" form of a word with all its different endings. Using truncation will broaden your search and give you more results.

To perform this kind of search, enter the root of a word and add a truncation symbol at the end. The most common truncation symbol is an asterisk,(*). The database will return results that include any version of your root word. 

Truncation Examples 

Searching for:

child* = child, childs, children, childrens, childhood

bank* = bank, banks, banking, bankers, bankruptcy

genetic* = genetic, genetics, genetically

Other Common Truncation Symbols

Different databases use different truncation symbols. The most common truncation symbols include:

• asterisk (*) 
• exclamation point (!) 
• dollar sign ($)
• hashtag (#)

Check   to find the correct truncation symbol for the database you are using.