Truncation:
Truncation, also called stemming, is a technique that broadens your search to include various word endings and spellings.
- To use truncation, enter the root of a word and put the truncation symbol at the end.
- The database will return results that include any ending of that root word.
- Examples: child* = child, childs, children, childrens, childhood | genetic* = genetic, genetics, genetically
- Truncation symbols may vary by database; common symbols include: *, !, ?, or #
Wildcards:
Similar to truncation, wildcards substitute a symbol for one letter of a word.
- This is useful if a word is spelled in different ways, but still has the same meaning.
- Examples:
wom!n = woman, women
colo?r = color, colour
If you have any questions regarding truncation or wildcards, please contact Ask a Librarian.
