IPA: /koʊm/
KK: /koʊm/
To search carefully and thoroughly through something, often looking for something specific.
The detective combed through the evidence to find clues.
Past: combed
Past Participle: combed
A tool with thin teeth used to arrange or smooth hair, or a structure made of hexagonal cells, like those made by bees for storing honey.
She used a comb to untangle her hair after swimming.
To use a tool with teeth to arrange or untangle hair or fibers, or to search through something carefully.
She combed her hair before going out.
Past: combed
Past Participle: combed
Comb → The word 'comb' originates from Old English 'camb', meaning a toothed instrument used for untangling hair. It refers to the tool used for arranging or smoothing hair.
Think of the Old English 'camb' as a tool for untangling hair — that's why a comb is used to smooth and arrange hair.