toothcomb

English

Etymology

tooth +‎ comb

Pronunciation
  • IPA(key): /ˈtuːθkəʊm/
  • Audio (UK)(file)

Noun

toothcomb (plural toothcombs)

  1. A dental structure found in certain primates consisting of long, flat teeth with microscopic grooves, and used for grooming the fur.
  2. (figuratively, from the expression 'fine toothcomb', a misunderstanding of 'fine-tooth comb') A means of making a thorough search.
    The police went through all his possessions with a toothcomb.

Usage notes

Verb

toothcomb (third-person singular simple present toothcombs, present participle toothcombing, simple past and past participle toothcombed)

  1. (may be considered erroneous) To search thoroughly.
    The flat was toothcombed for any trace of drugs.

See also
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