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Truncation

Truncation 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.

    Examples:

    elect* = election, electoral, elections
    econ* = economy, economic, economics, econometric, economique
    politi* = politics, political, politician, politique, politische

    The most commonly used truncation symbol is an asterisk (*)

    Wildcards

    Wildcards are similar to truncation, but substitute a symbol for just one character.

    Examples:

    wom?n = woman, women

    democrati?ation = democratisation, democratization

    defen?e = defence, defense

    19?? = any  number between 1900 and 1999

    The most commonly used single wildcard symbol is a question mark. If in doubt, check the help screens of the database you're using.