1. A long thin implement made of metal or wood
   "He used a metal rod to stir the molten glass"
    
2. A visual receptor cell that is sensitive to dim light
   "Rod cells are responsible for our night vision"; "retinal rod cells are responsible for our night vision";
   - rod cell, retinal rod
    
3. Any rod-shaped bacterium
   "Rod-shaped bacteria are also known as bacilli"
    
4. [US] A gangster's pistol
   "The mobster reached for his rod when he sensed trouble";
   - gat
    
5. [vulgar] Obscene term for penis
   "The comedian's joke about his rod made the audience laugh uncomfortably";
    
6. A rod of wood, steel or fiberglass that is used in fishing to extend the fishing line
   "He cast his fishing rod expertly, sending the lure far out into the stream";
   - fishing rod, fishing pole
    
7. [Brit, archaic] A linear measure of 16.5 feet
   "The field measured 4 rods in width";
   - perch [Brit, archaic], pole [Brit, archaic]
    
8. [Brit, archaic] A square rod of land
   "The old deed measured the property in rods";
   - perch, pole

Derived forms: rods

Type of: area unit, bacteria, bacterium, handgun, implement, linear measure, linear unit, member, penis, phallus, pistol, shooting iron, side arm, square measure, visual cell

Part of: fishing gear, fishing rig, fishing tackle, furlong, retina, rig, tackle

Encyclopedia: Rod, Jane and Freddy