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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").
Synonyms
Examples of truncate in a Sentence
Charlotte Kent, ARTnews.com, 13 June 2024
States and the federal government can start, for example, by expanding eligibility for compassionate release, which truncates sentences but tends to be reserved for people with terminal illnesses.
—Abdallah Fayyad, Vox, 6 May 2024
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.
Dictionary Entries Near truncate
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“Truncate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/truncate. Accessed 2 Jul. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
truncate
1 of 2 adjective
truncate
2 of 2 verb
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