rake
UK: reɪk | US: reɪk
n. a tool with a toothed bar or blade used for gathering leaves, hay, or other loose material
vt. to gather, loosen, or smooth with a rake
vi. to search or scrutinize thoroughly
The word "rake" traces back to Old English raca or racian, meaning "to scrape or gather." It shares Proto-Germanic roots with Old Norse reka (to drive) and Old High German rehho (a rake). The tool's function of scraping or gathering debris directly influenced the verb form. Over time, "rake" expanded metaphorically to describe thorough searching (e.g., "rake through evidence").
He used a rake to gather the fallen leaves.
She raked the soil to prepare the garden for planting.
Detectives raked the crime scene for clues.
The farmer raked the hay into neat piles.
The comb’s teeth raked through her tangled hair.