First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
rod
noun \ˈräd\
: a straight, thin stick or bar
: a pole with a line and usually a reel that is used in fishing
: a stick used to hit or whip someone as a form of punishment
Full Definition of ROD
1
a (1) : a straight slender stick growing on or cut from a tree or bush (2) : osier (3) : a stick or bundle of twigs used to punish; also : punishment (4) : a shepherd's cudgel (5) : a pole with a line and usually a reel attached for fishing b (1) : a slender bar (as of wood or metal) (2) : a bar or staff for measuring (3) : scepter; also : a wand or staff carried as a badge of office (as of marshal)
2
a : a unit of length — see weight table b : a square rod
3
: any of the long rod-shaped photosensitive receptors in the retina responsive to faint light — compare cone 3a
4
: a rod-shaped bacterium
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Origin of ROD
Middle English, from Old English rodd; akin to Old Norse rudda club
Related to ROD
ROD Defined for Kids
rod
noun \ˈräd\
Definition of ROD for Kids
1
: a light flexible pole often with line and a reel attached used in fishing
2
: a stick or bundle of twigs used in whipping a person
3
: a straight slender stick or bar
4
: a measure of length equal to 161⁄2 feet (about 5 meters)
5
: a cell of the retina of the eye that is shaped like a rod and is sensitive to faint light
Medical Dictionary
rod
noun \ˈräd\
Medical Definition of ROD
1
: a straight slender pole or bar
2
: any of the long rod-shaped photosensitive receptors in the retina responsive to faint light—compare cone 2a
3
: a bacterium shaped like a rod
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