truncate

[ truhng-keyt ]

verb (used with object)

, trun·cat·ed, trun·cat·ing.

1. to shorten by cutting off a part; cut short:

   Truncate detailed explanations.

   Synonyms: abbreviate, curtail, trim, abridge

2. Mathematics, Computers. to shorten (a number) by dropping a digit or digits:

   The numbers 1.4142 and 1.4987 can both be truncated to 1.4.

adjective

1. truncated.
2. Biology.
   1. square or broad at the end, as if cut off transversely.
   2. lacking the apex, as certain spiral shells.

truncate

verb

1. tr to shorten by cutting off a part, end, or top

adjective

1. cut short; truncated
2. biology having a blunt end, as though cut off at the tip

   a truncate leaf

Derived Forms

• trunˈcation, noun
• trunˈcately, adverb

Other Words From

• truncate·ly adverb
• sub·truncate adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of truncate¹

1480–90; < Latin truncātus (past participle of truncāre to lop), equivalent to trunc ( us ) trunk + -ātus -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of truncate¹

C15: from Latin truncāre to lop

Example Sentences

Something traumatic causes a person to truncate himself or herself in that way.

From The Daily Beast

This seems to have been the form present to Rostafinski when he wrote "columella truncate."

From Project Gutenberg

The upper margin of the cephalothorax is not rounded, but truncate.

From Project Gutenberg

Front margin truncate, sides almost straight, lower margin slightly convex, smooth and shiny and provided with many short hairs.

From Project Gutenberg

Upper edge almost truncate, yet rounded; sides evenly convex, lower edge almost straight.

From Project Gutenberg

Valve convex on dorsal side, apices dilated and truncate; stri distant at centre.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• abbreviate
• abridge
• curtail
• cut short