toothcomb

== English == === Pronunciation === (Received Pronunciation) IPA(key): /ˈtuːθkəʊm/ (General American) IPA(key): /ˈtuθˌkoʊm/ Hyphenation: tooth‧comb === Etymology 1 === The noun is derived from fine toothcomb, a rebracketing of fine-tooth comb. The verb is derived from the noun. ==== Noun ==== toothcomb (plural toothcombs) (British, chiefly figurative, sometimes proscribed) A comb with finely spaced teeth, chiefly as a metaphorical means of making a thorough search. ===== Usage notes ===== Although regarded by some as erroneous, the word is now deemed by the Oxford English Dictionary to be “accepted in standard English”. ===== Alternative forms ===== tooth comb tooth-comb ===== Translations ===== ==== Verb ==== toothcomb (third-person singular simple present toothcombs, present participle toothcombing, simple past and past participle toothcombed) (British, transitive, sometimes proscribed) (rare) To use a toothcomb on (something). (figurative) To search (something) thoroughly. ===== Alternative forms ===== tooth-comb ===== Translations ===== === Etymology 2 === From tooth +‎ comb. ==== Noun ==== toothcomb (plural toothcombs) (zoology) 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. ===== Alternative forms ===== tooth comb tooth-comb ===== Translations ===== === References === === Further reading === toothcomb (zoology) on Wikipedia.Wikipedia