Standard Lemma guide
Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.
Sound
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noun
A comb with finely spaced teeth, chiefly as a metaphorical means of making a thorough search.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: figuratively, proscribed, sometimes
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
noun
A comb-like dental structure found in the lower jaws of certain primates consisting of long, flat front teeth with microscopic grooves, which are used for grooming fur.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: UK, proscribed, sometimes, transitive
Topics: biology, natural-sciences, zoology
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
verb
To use a toothcomb on (something).
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: UK, proscribed, rare, sometimes, transitive
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
verb
To search (something) thoroughly.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: UK, figuratively, proscribed, sometimes, transitive
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
History
The noun is derived from fine toothcomb, a rebracketing of fine-tooth comb. The verb is derived from the noun.
From tooth + comb.
Across languages
9 source translations are retained for this English entry.
