Bomb, Comb, Womb, Tomb

[Martin Kaminer]

My son the gifted future linguist asked me last night about the origin
of long o in tomb (& womb) as opposed to the short o in bomb and comb.
 All words with ancient origins.  I didn't have an answer for him.
Selective application of the Great Vowel Shift?  Any enlightening
suggestions welcomed.

TX

MK

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