Comb - Wikipedia-style Article

Comb

Definition

Comb can function as a noun meaning a toothed device used for arranging or untangling hair, fibers, or threads; as a verb it means to draw a comb through something (often hair) to untangle or style it. It also denotes the honey‐bearing structure inside a beehive. Its plural forms are combs.

Parts of Speech

Noun
Verb (transitive)

Pronunciation

American English

IPA: /koʊm/
Respelling: KOHM

British English

IPA: /kəʊm/
Respelling: KOHM

Etymology

Old English camb “comb, crest of a fowl,” from Proto-Germanic *kambaz, of unknown ultimate origin; extended sense of “to comb hair” from the noun.

Derivatives

combed (verb past)
combing (verb gerund)
combable (adjective)
combative (unrelated homograph – adjective)

Synonyms

As a noun: hairbrush, pick, rake
As a verb: brush, disentangle, untangle, groom

Antonyms

As a verb: mess, rumple

Usage

"She uses a fine-tooth comb to style her hair."

"He combed through the beach looking for seashells."

"The beekeeper harvested honey from the comb."

Related Terms

Hairbrush: A brush for detangling or styling hair.
Beehive: The structure or colony of bees producing honeycomb.
Honeycomb: The wax structure containing honey and brood cells.
Groom: To clean or maintain appearance of hair or fur.
Detangle: To remove knots from hair or fibers.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

A toothed implement for arranging or untangling hair or fibers – typically made of plastic, metal, or bone, with evenly spaced teeth.
- Example: "He grabbed his comb and ran a few strokes through his hair."
The beeswax structure of a hive holding honey and brood – hexagonal cells built by bees.
- Example: "The honeycomb was dripping with fresh honey."

Verb

To draw a comb through hair or fibers to untangle or style – to smooth or arrange by passing a comb.
- Example: "She combed her hair before the interview."
To search thoroughly through an area – to examine carefully, as if using a comb.
- Example: "Search teams combed the woods for the lost hiker."