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.

   • 1923 May 2, Agatha Christie "The Million Dollar Bond Robbery", in The Sketch:

     Word was passed to the Customs authorities, and every soul that left the ship was gone over with a toothcomb!

Usage notes

• See note at fine-tooth comb.

Verb

1. (may be considered erroneous) To search thoroughly.

   The flat was toothcombed for any trace of drugs.

See also

• toothcomb on Wikipedia.Wikipedia