Using 'Wildcards' is a database search technique where you use an asterisk ( * ) - though in some databases it can be a different character - to insert within one of your keywords to tell the database that you'll take as a result any variation of letters within that word.

Why would you ever need to do this, though? There are words in American and British English that mean the same , but are spelled differently. Using a wildcard in your search may get you more results. (Obviously, you need to know first of all that there are variant spellings, but if you do know, this is a useful technique.)

Example 1:

American = pediatrician

British = paediatrician

So, search =  p*diatrician

Example 2:

American = counselor

British = counsellor

So, search = counse*or

Example 3:

American = defense

British = defence

So, search = defen*e