rod Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a long thin implement made of metal or wood
  2. noun any rod-shaped bacterium
  3. noun a linear measure of 16.5 feet
    perch; pole.
  4. noun a square rod of land
    perch; pole.
  5. noun a visual receptor cell that is sensitive to dim light
    rod cell; retinal rod.
  6. noun a gangster's pistol
    gat.

WordNet

Rod noun
Etymology
The same word as rood. See Rood.
Definitions
  1. A straight and slender stick; a wand; hence, any slender bar, as of wood or metal (applied to various purposes). Specifically: (a) An instrument of punishment or correction; figuratively, chastisement.
    He that spareth his rod hateth his son. Prov. xiii. 24.
    (b) A kind of sceptor, or badge of office; hence, figuratively, power; authority; tyranny; oppression. "The rod, and bird of peace." Shak. (c) A support for a fishing line; a fish pole. Gay. (d) (Mach. & Structure) A member used in tension, as for sustaining a suspended weight, or in tension and compression, as for transmitting reciprocating motion, etc.; a connecting bar. (e) An instrument for measuring.
  2. A measure of length containing sixteen and a half feet; -- called also perch, and pole.

Webster 1913