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Rod Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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rod

[rษ’d ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

family

A rod is a long, thin, straight piece of wood or metal, often used for support or as a weapon.

Synonyms

pole, staff, stick.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
rod

A long, thin, and straight piece of material, usually metal or wood. Often used in a technical or industrial context.

  • He used a metal rod to build the framework for the project
stick

A relatively short, thin piece of wood, often found naturally or crafted for a simple purpose. Used in casual or everyday contexts.

  • She picked up a stick to draw pictures on the ground
pole

A long, slender piece of material, often used to support something. Commonly seen in outdoor activities or constructions.

  • They set up a tent by securing it with poles
staff

A long stick, usually used for support or as a symbol of authority. Often seen in historical or formal contexts.

  • The king walked with a golden staff, symbolizing his power

Examples of usage

  • He held a rod in his hand as he walked through the forest.
  • The fishing rod was leaning against the wall.
  • She used a metal rod to prop up the plant.
Context #2 | Noun

measurement

A rod is a unit of length equal to 5.5 yards or 16.5 feet.

Synonyms

perch, pole.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
rod

As previously defined, 'rod' can be synonymous with a long, thin, straight bar, typically used for fishing.

  • The gardener used a metal rod to support the growing plants.
  • A fishing rod is essential for a successful fishing expedition.
pole

Typically used to refer to a long, slender, cylindrical object that is often used for support, measurement, or as a tool in sports.

  • They used a long pole to push the boat away from the dock.
  • He needs to replace the broken tent pole before the camping trip.
  • During the festival, they danced around a tall pole decorated with ribbons.
perch

Refers to a specific type of fish or a resting place for birds. It can also mean a high or elevated position.

  • The bird sat on its perch and sang a beautiful song.
  • After catching a large perch, they decided to cook it for dinner.
  • She watched the parade from her perch on the balcony.

Examples of usage

  • The property was measured in rods rather than meters.
  • The road stretched for several rods.
Context #3 | Noun

biology

In biology, a rod is a type of cell that is elongated and cylindrical in shape.

Synonyms

cylinder, shaft.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
rod

Usually refers to a long, thin, straight piece of metal, wood, or other material. Often used in contexts like fishing rods, curtain rods, or connecting rods in machinery.

  • He bought a new fishing rod for the weekend
  • The curtain rod needs to be fixed to the wall
cylinder

Refers to a three-dimensional shape with straight parallel sides and circular or oval cross-section. It can also refer to a cylindrical container or mechanical part, like in engines.

  • The car's engine has six cylinders
  • The soda can is a perfect example of a cylinder
shaft

Often refers to a long, narrow, typically vertical passage or a mechanical part used to transmit power in machines. It can have a negative connotation when referring to someone being unfairly treated.

  • The elevator shaft goes up twenty floors
  • He felt he got the shaft in the deal

Examples of usage

  • Rod cells are responsible for vision in low light conditions.
Context #4 | Noun

electricity

A rod can refer to a conductor used to connect components in an electrical circuit.

Synonyms

bar, conductor.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
rod

Typically used to describe a long, thin, straight piece of wood, metal, or other material. Often associated with fishing or construction.

  • He used a bamboo rod to catch fish.
  • The curtain hung from a metal rod.
conductor

Mostly used to describe a person who leads a musical ensemble or orchestra. Can also mean a material that allows the flow of electrical current.

  • The conductor raised his baton, and the orchestra began to play.
  • Copper is a good conductor of electricity.
bar

Often refers to a long, narrow piece of metal or wood used as a barrier or to provide support. Can also denote a place where alcoholic beverages are served, or a legal profession.

  • She set a bar across the door to keep it closed.
  • They met at a bar to have a few drinks.
  • He studied hard to pass the bar exam.

Examples of usage

  • The copper rod was essential for completing the circuit.
Context #5 | Verb

punishment

To rod someone means to punish or beat them with a rod.

Synonyms

beat, punish, whip.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
rod

Used to refer to a long, thin stick or pole mainly for discipline or physical training.

  • The teacher used a rod to keep the students in line.
  • Fishing rods come in various lengths.
beat

Indicates strike repeatedly with force, often used in contexts of violence or aggression. Has negative connotations.

  • He threatened to beat the man if he didn't pay up.
  • The rhythm is so strong that it feels like it beats in your chest.
whip

Refers to striking with a flexible, lash-like object. Commonly associated with discipline and negative connotations.

  • The rider used a whip to control the horse.
  • Slaves were often whipped as a form of severe punishment.
punish

Used to describe inflicting a penalty or negative consequence for wrongdoing. Can be used in both physical and abstract contexts.

  • Parents sometimes punish their children for breaking the rules.
  • The team was punished for not following the coach's strategy.

Examples of usage

  • The teacher threatened to rod the student if he misbehaved again.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

  • In physics, a rod can refer to a simple tool used in experiments to demonstrate principles like tension and compression.
  • Rods are also a type of photoreceptor cell in the retina of the eye, essential for vision in low light.
  • Fishing rods are designed based on physics principles to maximize distance and accuracy when casting bait.

Literature

  • Rods often symbolize power or authority in classic literature, signifying control over nature or people.
  • In many childrenโ€™s stories, magic wands are a type of rod, representing the ability to change the world around them.
  • The phrase 'rod and staff' appears in poetry and literature, often symbolizing guidance and protection.

Sports

  • In athletics, a pole vaulting rod is crucial for athletes to clear high bars, representing skill and achievement.
  • Rods are also used in sports like fishing competitions, where the quality of the rod can affect performance.
  • In gymnastics, a training rod is often used to help learners practice their balance and coordination.

Cultural Significance

  • In some cultures, rods are crafted as musical instruments, like the didgeridoo, showcasing their versatility.
  • In religious contexts, rods can symbolize divine authority, often featured in ceremonial practices.
  • The rod is sometimes mentioned in fables and proverbs, symbolizing discipline or moral lessons.

Origin of 'rod'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'rod' comes from the Old English 'rodd' meaning a straight stick or branch.
  • In many languages, 'rod' is associated with something straight and slender, reflecting its shape.
  • It has roots in various Indo-European languages, including Latin and Germanic origins, all referring to similar objects.

The word 'rod' has Old English origins, from the Proto-Germanic 'rodo' meaning 'pole'. It has been used in various contexts throughout history, from measuring land to fishing equipment. The concept of using a rod for punishment dates back to ancient times, where rods were commonly used as instruments of discipline. The biological term 'rod cell' was coined in the 19th century to describe a specific type of cell in the retina. Overall, the word 'rod' has evolved to represent different objects and concepts across different fields.

See also: rodent.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,740, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.