There are two types of TrueCrypt volumes:
Note: In addition to creating the above types of virtual volumes, TrueCrypt can encrypt a physical partition/drive where Windows is installed (for more information, see the chapter System Encryption).
A TrueCrypt file-hosted volume is a normal file, which can reside on any type of storage device. It contains (hosts) a completely independent encrypted virtual disk device.
A TrueCrypt partition is a hard disk partition encrypted using TrueCrypt. You can also encrypt entire hard disks, USB hard disks, USB memory sticks, and other types of storage devices.
By Andrew Y. (@andryou) - no affiliation with TrueCrypt - fair use - site for non-monetary, reference purposes only