TRUNCATION

Truncation symbols (?, *, !, +) will provide variant spelling after the root word. 
For Example: gene? = gene, genes, genetics, genetically

Truncation symbols can vary depending on the database used.   Below is a chart of the truncation symbols used in databases commonly used by St. Michael's students

Databases listed below can be found @ http://www2.smcvt.edu/library/articles/alphabetical.htm 

Database Truncation Symbol
EBSCO Academic Premiere * (searches for all possible spellings)
Expanded Academic ASAP

* (searches for all possible spellings)
? (searches only for one character)
!  (searches only one charater- good for plural variations)
SMC & UVM Online Catalog
? (searches for all possible spellings)
Basic Biosis
+ (searches for plurals)
 * (searches all possible spellings)
LexisNexis
! or * (searches for all possible spellings)
AGRICOLA
* (searches for all possible spellings)
JSTOR
+ (searches for plurals)
Access Science Encyclopedia

* (searches for all possible spellings)