• Today's Word

Truncate

🔊 Listen to the word Truncate

TRUNG-kayt

Definition

(verb) To shorten something by cutting off the top or end; to reduce in extent or scope.

Example

The editor had to truncate the article to fit the page limit, removing several concluding paragraphs.

Word Origin

Late 15th century: from Latin “truncatus,” past participle of “truncare” meaning “to maim or cut off,” from “truncus” meaning “trunk” or “torso.”

Fun Fact

Truncate shares its origin with “trunk,” both referring to the main body after extremities are removed. Computer scientists truncate data by removing digits (3.14159 truncates to 3.14), distinguishing it from rounding which adjusts the final digit. Architects describe truncated pyramids and cones—shapes with tops sliced off. The geological term “truncated spur” describes mountain ridges cut short by glaciers. Writers sometimes deliberately truncate sentences for dramatic effect, leaving thoughts unfinished to create tension. Unlike “abbreviate,” which can shorten through various methods, truncate specifically means cutting something off, often leaving a sense of incompleteness. The abrupt ending distinguishes truncation from gradual tapering—truncated things end suddenly rather than fading away, creating that distinctly chopped-off feeling.