How to Search ScienceDirect databases: Boolean operators and connectors

Type in your search.

Click on the down arrow, to show a selection of connectors.

 

Select AND when all the terms must appear and may be far apart from each other.

For example: density AND conductivity 

Select OR when at least one of the terms must appear (such as synonyms, alternate spellings, abbreviations.).

For example: zebrafishes or osteichthyes

Select AND NOT to exclude specific terms.

For example: plasma AND NOT fusion 

Select W/S when all terms must appear within the same sentence or subfield, such as index terms.

For example: lithium batter! W/S explosi!

Select W/P when all terms must appear within the same paragraph or subfield, such as index terms.

For example: velocity magnitude W/P flame base

Click on Search.