Pronunciation

/rɒd/

Definitions

Noun

1. A long, straight piece of wood, metal, or other rigid material, typically used for support, leverage, or as a tool.
   • Example: “The carpenter used a wooden rod to measure distances.”
2. A thin, cylindrical object, often with a handle, used for various purposes, such as fishing or stirring.
   • Example: “He cast his fishing rod into the lake.”
3. A device that transmits electrical signals, like a cathode ray tube in an old television set.
   • Example: “The cathode ray tube was replaced by a digital flat-screen display.”
4. A person’s backbone or spine.
   • Example: “She stood up straight, proud as a rod.”

Verb

• (Informal) To use a rod as a means of punishment or correction.
  • Example: “Parents might rod their children for misbehaving.”

Adjective

• (Slang) Very straight, rigid, or strict.
  • Example: “She had an iron rod of a spine.”

Phrases

• “Hit someone with a rod” (informal, refers to punishment)
• “Rod and reel” (fishing equipment)
• “Rodent-proofing” (blocking rodents with a barrier or rod)

Example Sentences

• Noun: “The gardener leaned on the pruning rod to reach high branches.”
• Verb: “The teacher used a pointer rod to emphasize important points on the board.”
• Adjective: “He maintained a rod-like discipline in his classroom.”

Synonyms

• Pole
• Stick
• Beam
• Spine
• Bamboo (in the context of fishing rods)
• Handle (when referring to a tool or instrument)