Crossword Genius

Methodically search quantity of data stored on firm (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

comb

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'methodically search' is the definition.
'comb' can be an answer for 'search' (combing is a kind of searching). I am not sure about the 'methodically' bit.

'quantity of data stored on firm' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'quantity' could be 'mb' (Mb is an example) and 'mb' is found within the answer.
'of' could be 'o' and 'o' is found within the answer.
A single letter 'c' remains which might be clued in a way I don't understand.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for comb that I've seen before include "Fowl's crest" , "Ransack, scour" , "Toothed instrument" , "Search well; bird's crest" , "Untangle (hair)" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.