A straight, slender, cylindrical stick or bar, especially one made of wood or metal. He used a rod to prop up the tent.
A fishing rod, a long, flexible pole used to catch fish. She cast her line into the river using her new fishing rod.
A unit of length equal to 5.5 yards or 16.5 feet, used especially in measuring land. The property was measured to be 20 rods in length.
A slender straight bar in a machine or structure, such as a connecting rod in an engine. The mechanic replaced the bent rod in the engine.
A symbol of authority or power, often represented as a staff or scepter. The king held a golden rod as a symbol of his rule.
A rod-shaped photoreceptor cell in the retina that is sensitive to low levels of light. Rod cells allow many nocturnal animals to see in near darkness.
A stick, cane, or switch used for administering corporal punishment; by extension, the practice of such punishment. The teacher threatened to use the rod on unruly pupils.
(US, slang, dated) A gun, especially a handgun or revolver. The gangster always carried a rod under his jacket.
(slang, vulgar) The penis. He bragged about the size of his rod.