Truncation is the process of cutting text to a specified length, typically adding an ellipsis (...) to indicate omitted content. It is used when text exceeds display area limits or database column sizes.

In UI design, CSS text-overflow: ellipsis automatically truncates text that overflows its container. CSS layout guides cover truncation techniques in detail.

When truncating CJK text, care must be taken not to split surrogate pairs or combining characters, which would cause garbled output.

Search engine meta descriptions are also truncated based on display width. Placing important information at the beginning is an SEO fundamental. SEO practical guides discuss optimal meta description lengths.