truncation

noun

trun·​ca·​tion ˌtrəŋˈkāshən How to pronounce truncation (audio)
plural -s
1
a
: an act or instance of truncating
loss of section … by truncation following upliftJournal of Geology
truncation of street corners should be aimed at … to increase visibilityJohn Kemp
b
: omission at the beginning or end of an element (as an unstressed syllable) normally present or expected in a line or other unit of verse compare catalexis, broken-backed line
c
: a truncated point or area
the truncation on the edge of a crystal
2
: the replacement of an edge or solid angle (as of a crystal) by a plane and especially by one equally inclined to the adjoining faces
3
: the quality or state of being truncated
after revising his work … gave it an effect of truncation and barenessVan Wyck Brooks

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin truncation-, truncatio, from Latin truncatus (past participle of truncare to cut off) + -ion-, -io -ion

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Cite this Entry

“Truncation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/truncation. Accessed 28 Dec. 2025.

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