Search Basics

Definitions and Examples

Term
Definition
Example
Search Results
Phrase searching Retrieves the words in exactly the order identified "peace operations" Retrieves the exact phrase "peace operations"
Truncator A symbol that represents one or more characters at the end of a word.  Retrieves variations of a word that use the same root or stem terror* Retrieves terror, terrorist, terrorism, terrorizing, etc.
Wildcard A symbol that represents one or more characters in a word, usually either inside or at the beginning of the word. Retrieves alternative spellings of a word

defen?e

wom?n

Retrieves defence or defense

Retrieves woman or women

Proximity Operators A string of symbols that enables you to locate one word within a specified distance of another

ballistic n/3 missile

Retrieves the words ballistic and missile within three words of each other

Search Strategy Worksheet