trans* (a librarian's definition)

by Leighton Schreyer

truncation: an advanced search strategy whereby a symbol is added to the end of a root word to instruct the database to search for all forms of that word. the asterisk (*) is the most common symbol used for truncation.

truncation is particularly useful when a search term is recognized to have several endings, all of which represent the same or similar ideas.

 example: trans* retrieves trans
              transit, transist
                transfix, transfuse, transfect
              transition, transcend
            transeunt
              transient, transparent
                transfigure, transvalue, transverse
              transpierce, transport
            transpire
              transposable, translational
                transubstantial, transpontine, transpicuous
              transilluminate, transmigrate
            transmogrify
              transmutable, transnatural
                 transnational, transcultural, transhistorical
              transgressive, transformational
             transfinite

Leighton Schreyer (they/them) is an MD student, writer, and critically Mad queer activist in Toronto. Their work frequently explores themes of gender, sexuality, mental health, and the human condition and has been featured in numerous literary and medical publications, including The Sun, Hippocampus Magazine, The Rumen, CMAJ, JAMA, and BJPsych.