Pronunciation: [kˈʌɹɪkˌə͡ʊm] (IPA) 
Currycomb is a word used to describe a tool that is used to comb the hair of horses. The word is spelled "currycomb" and is pronounced /ˈkʌr.i.koʊm/. The word is made up of two parts; "curry" which means "to groom" and "comb" which is a tool used to remove tangles from hair. The spelling of the word is influenced by its Old French roots, which explains why the "c" is pronounced /k/ and why the "b" is silent.
A currycomb is a grooming tool specifically designed for horses, used to clean and maintain their coats. It typically consists of a handle and a rectangular or oval-shaped metal or plastic comb with teeth spaced close together. The teeth of the comb are usually short and rigid, designed to remove dirt, dried sweat, and loose hair from the horse's coat.
To use a currycomb, one would hold the handle firmly and use short, circular motions to rub the comb over the horse's body, particularly in areas with dirt buildup or alongside the direction of the hair growth. This action promotes blood circulation, loosens dirt, and stimulates the skin's natural oils, helping to keep the horse's coat clean, smooth, and glossy.
Currycombs can vary in size and rigidity depending on the horse's coat type and sensitivity. Some currycombs have rubber or flexible plastic teeth to provide a gentler or massaging effect on the horse's skin. Additionally, there are specialized currycombs with longer teeth designed for removing mud and dried debris from hooves.
The term "currycomb" can also be used metaphorically to describe a device or method of thorough cleaning or scrubbing in non-equine contexts. For example, in agriculture, it may refer to a tool used to clean or groom livestock such as cows or pigs. Overall, currycombs are indispensable grooming tools that assist in maintaining a horse's health, hygiene, and appearance.
The word "currycomb" has an interesting etymology. It originated from the combination of two Old English words: "curry" and "comb".
The word "curry" comes from the Old French word "corer" meaning "to prepare" or "to dress", which in turn comes from the Latin word "curare". "Curare" means "to take care of" or "to attend to". Over time, the meaning of "curry" evolved to refer specifically to the act of grooming or cleaning horses.
The word "comb" comes from the Old English word "camb" or "combe", which means a toothed implement used for grooming or untangling hair or fur.
When these two terms were combined, "currycomb" referred to a tool specifically designed for grooming horses.
