Langimage
English

combing

|comb/ing|

B2

🇺🇸

/ˈkoʊmɪŋ/

🇬🇧

/ˈkəʊmɪŋ/

(comb)

toothed device

Base FormPluralPresent3rd Person Sing.PastPast ParticiplePresent Participle
combcombscombingcombscombedcombedcombing
Etymology
Etymology Information

'comb' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'camb', where 'camb' meant 'a toothed instrument for arranging hair'.

Historical Evolution

'camb' transformed into the Middle English word 'combe', and eventually became the modern English word 'comb'.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'a toothed instrument for arranging hair', but over time it evolved to include the action of using such an instrument.

Meanings by Part of Speech

Verb 1

the act of using a comb to arrange or untangle hair.

She was combing her hair in front of the mirror.

Synonyms

Verb 2

searching thoroughly or systematically.

The police were combing the area for clues.

Synonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:45