1comb pronunciation: function: noun etymology: middle english, from old english camb; akin to old high german kamb comb, greek gomphos toothdate: before 12th century 1 a : a toothed instrument used especially for adjusting, cleaning, or confining hair b : a structure resembling such a comb; especially : any of several toothed devices used in handling or ordering textile fibers c : currycomb2 a : a fleshy crest on the head of the domestic chicken and other domestic birds b : something (as the ridge of a roof) resembling the comb of a cock3 : honeycomb— combed adjective — comb;like adjective