truncated

Truncated means shortened, as if having had a portion cut off.

The verb truncate means to shorten something in this way.

As an adjective, truncated can be used in several specialized ways, all of which describe things that have been shortened or seem like they’ve been shortened or cut off.

In geometry, it’s used to describe a shape that has had one of its parts or corners cut off. In crystallography, it’s used to describe a crystal whose corners, angles, or edges are cut off. In biology, it’s used to describe a part of an organism, such as the leaf of a plant, that looks like it has been cut off at the tip. In poetry, it’s used to describe a line that has fewer syllables that the meter (the rhythm of the line) suggests it should.

Still, truncated is most commonly used in a general way. A more common and less formal synonym is shortened.

Example: Most people have only ever seen the truncated version of the film, but they’re planning to release the full version soon.

The first records of the word truncated as an adjective come from the late 1400s. Truncated and the verb truncate come from the Latin verb truncāre, “to lop” or “to cut off.” Truncāre comes from the Latin truncus, which means “stem,” “stump,” or “trunk,” and is also the basis of the word trunk, as in the trunk of a tree.

You can truncate a trunk of a tree by chopping it down to the stump, but truncated isn’t commonly applied to physical things. It’s most often used to describe intangible things that have been shortened in some way, such as a schedule, a piece of writing, or a movie.

What are some other forms related to truncated?

• truncate (verb)
• subtruncated (adjective)

What are some synonyms for truncated?

• shortened
• abbreviated
• abridged
• truncate (when truncate is used as an adjective)

What are some words that share a root or word element with truncated? 

• trunk

What are some words that often get used in discussing truncated?

• version
• cut
• short
• schedule
• season
• severely
• full

Truncated has several specific uses, but it can be used in all kinds of contexts.

Not sure. I may have just adlibbed something on the night you saw me in Winnipeg. The Just For Laughs sets are always a really shortened/truncated version of the full bit, so I wouldn't be surprised. (Long time ago – hard to remember).

— Brent Butt (@BrentButt) August 5, 2019

Full story is in the book, but there's a truncated version at the end of this https://t.co/LokzcR5KUk

— Chris Taylor (@FutureBoy) December 28, 2019

If you are a Netflix subscriber the PBS documentary on Woodstock is now available. Some interesting little known facts. I thought it was worth it – but the musical performances are truncated. And no – I was not there.https://t.co/XFtfYmsrEF

— George Dawson (@dawso007) August 19, 2019

Which of the following words is NOT a synonym of truncated?

A. abridged
B. abbreviated
C. protracted
D. shortened