combing
UK[ˈkəʊmɪŋ]US[ˈkoʊmɪŋ]
n
The act of untangling, arranging, or searching through hair or fibers with a comb.
n
A process in textile manufacturing where fibers are straightened and aligned using a comb-like device.
Morpheme Breakdown
comb
ing
comb
to untangle hair
ing
action/process suffix
Etymology
The word 'combing' is a transparent English formation built upon the ancient root for the tool. The core noun 'comb' traces back to Proto-Germanic kambaz, which itself descends from the Proto-Indo-European root ǵómbʰos, meaning 'tooth' or 'peg'. This directly reflects the tool's defining feature—a row of teeth. The addition of the Old English action-noun suffix '-ing' creates a word that denotes the process or result of using such a tool. Thus, the literal 'action of using a toothed implement' evolved seamlessly into the modern abstract meanings of grooming hair or aligning fibers, preserving the core logic of the tool's function in the name of the activity.
Analysis
Structure: comb (to untangle hair) + ing (action/process suffix)
comb: From Old English camb (toothed strip for hair), of Germanic origin; related to Dutch kam and German Kamm. Functions as the core verb/noun root.
ing: From Old English -ung, -ing, a suffix forming nouns of action or result. Functions as a nominalizing suffix.
Examples
Regular combing helps distribute natural oils through your hair.
The wool undergoes a thorough combing before it is spun into yarn.
She found the missing earring while combing through the thick carpet.