EndNote uses the delimiters in the Define Lists dialog to determine what punctuation separates the individual terms in the same field in a reference.
For example, if you import data from a source that uses semicolons (;) to separate keywords:
Adult, Age Factors; Astigmatism; Follow-Up Studies; Hospitals, University; Keratotomy, Radial; Myopia; Refraction, Ocular
you would want to be sure that the semicolon was selected as a separator for your Keywords term list. You would also want to be sure that the comma was not chosen because the commas in this example are used within some of the terms.
By default, EndNote uses the semicolon (;) and backslash (\), and end-of-line markers as separators. Words or phrases entered on different lines in a field (by pressing Return or Enter) are always interpreted as separate terms, but the other separators can be changed depending on your needs.
To customize the delimiters for a term list:
Open a library.
From the Tools menu, select Define Term Lists.
Verify that your library name is selected at the top of the dialog, then click on the name of the term list that you intend to modify.
Click the check box to the left of the desired separator to select it (or to unselect it if it is already checked).
The last check box provides a place to enter a custom term delimiter, if necessary.