combing

English

Pronunciation

• Homophones: coaming

Etymology 1

Verb

combing

1. present participle and gerund of comb

Noun

combing (plural combings)

1. The act by which something is combed.

   My hair needs frequent combings; otherwise, it gets matted.

2. (in the plural) Individual hairs that drop out when the hair is combed.
   • 2011, Peter Manso, Reasonable Doubt:

     Weiner had prepared a rape test kit, taking swabs and smears orally, rectally, vaginally, anorectally, and paravaginally. He'd also collected blood, head and pubic hair combings, and left and right fingernail clippings.

Etymology 2

Noun

combing (plural combings)

1. Alternative spelling of coaming
   • 1887, Harriet W. Daly, Digging, Squatting, and Pioneering Life in the Northern Territory of South Australia, page 194:

     I stole quietly to the combings of the hatchway, which was open, and we looked down into the 'tween decks.