Truncation is a search technique used in databases to replace the end of a word with a symbol. It is also known as wildcard search and is very useful when you know that one of your search terms has multiple endings, but all the variations represent basically the same idea. To truncate a search term, perform a keyword search in a database, but remove the end of the word and add an asterisk (*) at the end of the word. Different databases use different truncation symbols, so it's important to check the “Help” information or “Search Tips” in the database for details on which symbol to use.
Truncation is also used in banking to refer to a simplified electronic check registration system in which the bank does not return canceled checks to customers. In scientific and medical contexts, truncation often involves cutting a part of something parallel to its base (or perpendicular to its side). Truncation error refers to the use of only the first N terms of an infinite series to estimate a value. In CSS front end, truncation can be used to truncate text for several lines.
Using truncation will help you complete the search faster, since you don't have to type and search manually in every variation of the word. To make the most out of this technique, root words that have multiple endings and words that are spelled differently but mean the same thing should be searched. The earliest use of truncating is as an adjective that describes something (such as a leaf or a feather) with the square end as if it had been cut off. The reproduced parts assume their previous relationships and make a return to equilibrium deteriorated by their truncation.
In conclusion, truncation is an effective search technique used in databases that allows you to search for a term and spelling variants of that term quickly and efficiently. It is important to check the “Help” information or “Search Tips” in the database for details on which symbol to use when truncating.
