subcomb

English

Noun

subcomb (plural subcombs)

1. (algebraic geometry) A subcurve of a comb that includes the handle.
   • 2007, Ron Sanders, Microcosmia, →ISBN, page 132:

     A corresponding series of descending subcombs lay in place, each successive subcomb's conduits, or teeth, having diameters decreased by half.

   • 2013, Olivier Debarre, Higher-Dimensional Algebraic Geometry, →ISBN, page 106:

     With these choices, a subcomb with at least one tooth can be smoothed.

Verb

subcomb (third-person singular simple present subcombs, present participle subcombing, simple past and past participle subcombed)

1. Alternative form of succumb
   • 1880, Emma May Buckingham, Parson Thorne's Trial: A Novel, page 235:

     I've got to subcomb to death's order, or I would not speak of it.

   • 1925, John Daniel Bright, The Reform Press of the Forties, page 8:

     Doubtless others could not weather the economic barriers, and soon subcombed to oblivion.

   • 1984, Tissue Culture of Plantain for Improving Yield Potential, page 46:

     An indication of its existence could be the fact that shortly after a strong infection of the leaves the entire plant subcombs in a rather rapid way by general wilting.

   • 2011, Marlene Scott, God Spoke, I Wrote, →ISBN, page 115:

     Tracy you tried so hard to over come The devils inside that made you subcomb To pills and things you thought would ease Every known pain you thought you had, from A to Z.