- Today's Word
Truncate
TRUN-kayt
Definition
- (verb) To shorten something by cutting off a part, especially at the end.
Example
The article had to be truncated to fit within the magazine’s word limit.
Fun Fact
“Truncate” comes from the Latin truncare, meaning “to cut off.” The concept appears in various fields, from botany (truncated leaves) to mathematics (truncated numbers). Digital systems often truncate text when displaying character limits, a feature familiar to anyone who’s seen a message cut off on social media.
(verb) To instigate, stir up, or encourage (especially trouble or rebellion).
The speech was accused of fomenting unrest among the workers.
From Latin fovēre, meaning “to warm” or “soothe.”