truncate

1 of 2

verb

trun·​cate ˈtrəŋ-ˌkāt How to pronounce truncate (audio)
ˈtrən-
truncated; truncating

transitive verb

1
: to shorten by or as if by cutting off
2
: to replace (an edge or corner of a crystal) by a plane
truncation noun

truncate

2 of 2

adjective

: having the end square or even
truncate leaves

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The Connection Between Truncate and Trees

The earliest use of truncate is as an adjective describing something (such as a leaf or feather) with the end squared off as if it had been cut. It makes sense, then, that the verb refers to shortening things. The word comes from Latin truncare ("to shorten"), which traces to truncus ("trunk").

Examples of truncate in a Sentence

Verb some of the quotations from the movie had to be truncated to fit on tie-in products
Recent Examples on the Web
Verb
Instead, the parody designation is truncated and replaced with ellipses. Joedy McCreary, USA TODAY, 21 Sep. 2024 The gatherings took place as polls show a close race as little time remains for either candidate to attract voters in a presidential campaign already truncated by President Joe Biden's July decision to drop out and endorse Harris. Laura Schulte, Journal Sentinel, 10 Sep. 2024
Adjective
Chris Blume, who chairs the working group for the PNG image format that Snipping Tool uses, helped tip Buchanan off to the issue by tweeting that Snipping Tool seems to not truncate files correctly when overwriting existing images. Mitchell Clark, The Verge, 21 Mar. 2023 See all Example Sentences for truncate 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'truncate.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Latin truncatus, past participle of truncare to shorten, from truncus trunk

First Known Use

Verb

circa 1717, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of truncate was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near truncate

Cite this Entry

“Truncate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/truncate. Accessed 7 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

truncate

1 of 2 adjective
trun·​cate ˈtrəŋ-ˌkāt How to pronounce truncate (audio)
ˈtrən-
: having the end square or blunt
a truncate leaf

truncate

2 of 2 verb
truncated; truncating
: to shorten by or as if by cutting off
truncation noun

More from Merriam-Webster on truncate

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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