comb etymology

Etymology:

  • From Latin com-, meaning "together" or "with" (from Proto-Indo-European kóm "near")
    • English comb (from Old English camb "comb," from Proto-West Germanic kambuz, from Proto-Germanic kambuz, from Proto-Indo-European ǵhombʰos "tooth, comb")

Meaning:

  • A tool with a row of teeth used to groom hair or wool
  • A structure in the head of a rooster or other bird

Origin:

  • The Latin root com- has been used prefixally in English since the Middle Ages to convey the meaning of "together" or "with."
  • The specific term "comb" (for the grooming tool) entered Middle English in the 12th century, after the Norman Conquest. English borrowed the term from Old Norse kambr, cognate with the Proto-West Germanic kambuz.
  • The Proto-Indo-European root ǵhombʰos is related to the Greek word gómphos "nail, pin, dowel" (as in "gomphosis") and the Sanskrit word jambha "tooth." This suggests that combs may have originally been made from bones or wooden pegs.

comb relate terms

  • honeycomb

    Etymology The word honeycomb is derived from the following sources Honey A thick

  • honey

    Etymology The word honey has its origins in the following languages Proto Indo Euro

  • comb

    Etymology From Latin com meaning together or with from Proto Indo European kóm

  • unkempt

    Etymology The term unkempt is derived from the Middle English word unkemed which me

  • beach comber

    Etymology The word beachcomber is derived from Beach A sandy or pebbly shore along

  • ransack

    Etymology The English word ransack comes from the Middle French word ransacquer whic

  • oakum

    Etymology Originates from the Old English term eacum meaning hemp or coarse fiber

  • hackle

    Etymology Old English hacel coarse flax or hemp Middle English hake or hakle a

  • fight

    Etymology From Middle English fighten fighte from Old English feohtan to fight f

  • search

    Etymology Origin Greek Etymology Etymos true real logia study of Mean

  • chaser

    Etymology Early 17th century in the sense one who hunts something relentlessly

  • fluff

    Etymology Early 19th century from dialect use of fluff for a light substance such as