Truncation allows you to search for several similar terms using one word. For example if you wanted to search for information on industry in China, using the search term
industr*
will return any results that include the words "industry", "industries", or "industrial".
Many databases use the asterisk * symbol for a truncation search; some may use a question mark ?. Check the help section of the database you're using to be sure, or
ask a librarian.
Just like Google, you can limit your results to only items that use an exact phrase. If you search for the exact phrase "pulse generator", the following title will be included in your results,
Design of a Tunable All-Digital UWB Pulse Generator CMOS Chip for Wireless Endoscope
but not the title
Helix antennas for generators of short high-voltage pulses