What does "toothcomb" mean?
A comb with finely spaced teeth, chiefly as a metaphorical means of making a thorough search.
Toothcomb
/ˈtuːθkəʊm/ noun, verb
noun, verb ·Rare ·Advanced level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A comb with finely spaced teeth, chiefly as a metaphorical means of making a thorough search.
- Grammar: toothcomb is listed as noun, verb.
- Nearest alternatives: comb.
- Usage evidence: The police went through all his possessions with a toothcomb.
How to use "toothcomb"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "toothcomb" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "toothcomb" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "toothcomb" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "toothcomb" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "toothcomb" is acting as noun, verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "comb" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "toothcomb", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A comb with finely spaced teeth, chiefly as a metaphorical means of making a thorough search. British, figuratively, proscribed, sometimes
"The police went through all his possessions with a toothcomb."
- 2 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. British, proscribed, sometimes, transitive
"There is no reason to doubt that the tooth comb is homologous in all the lemuriforms. The term tooth comb has recently been replaced by Martin (1972) with the concept of "tooth scraper," and he has stated that, although most living species of strepsirhines use their tooth combs for grooming, this is a secondary function."
Verb
- 1 To use a toothcomb on (something). British, proscribed, rare, sometimes, transitive
"8.15 am. Tooth-combed seven heads, had grand sport; mixed bag, measured one teaspoonful; cleanliness is next to godliness!"
- 2 To search (something) thoroughly. British, figuratively, proscribed, sometimes, transitive
"The flat was toothcombed for any trace of drugs."
Synonyms
All synonymsExample
"The police went through all his possessions with a toothcomb."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "toothcomb"?
Common synonyms include: comb.
How do you use "toothcomb" in a sentence?
The police went through all his possessions with a toothcomb.
How do you pronounce "toothcomb"?
Pronounced /ˈtuːθkəʊm/.
Etymology
Etymology 1
The noun is derived from fine toothcomb, a rebracketing of fine-tooth comb. The verb is derived from the noun.
Etymology 2
From tooth + comb.