rod

/rɔd/

Definition

Noun:
- A thin straight bar, especially of wood or metal: A long, slender, often cylindrical object.
- A stick used for punishment: A stick or bundle of sticks used for beating someone as a punishment.
- A fishing rod: A long, slender, flexible pole used with a line and hook for catching fish.
- A unit of linear measure: A unit of length equal to 5.5 yards or 16.5 feet (approximately 5.03 meters).
- A type of light-sensitive cell in the retina: A visual receptor cell in the eye that functions in dim light.
- A rod-shaped bacterium: A bacterium with a cylindrical shape.
- (Slang) A gun, especially a pistol.

Usage Examples

As a thin bar or stick:
- The curtain was held back by a metal rod.
- He measured the fabric with a measuring rod.
As an instrument of punishment:
- In the past, teachers could use a rod to discipline students.
As a fishing tool:
- He cast his line into the river with his new fishing rod.
As a unit of measurement:
- The old property deed described the land as being ten rods in length.
In biology:
- Rods in the eye allow us to see in low-light conditions.
- Bacillus is a genus of rod-shaped bacteria.

Advanced Usage

"To have a rod in pickle for someone": To have a punishment or severe criticism in store for someone, held in reserve for a future occasion.
- The manager has a rod in pickle for the employee who leaked the report.
"To make a rod for one's own back": To do something that will cause problems or difficulties for oneself in the future.
- By agreeing to work every weekend, he made a rod for his own back.

Variants and Related Words

Fishing rod (n): A rod used for angling.
Lightning rod (n): A metal rod mounted on a structure to divert lightning safely to the ground; (figuratively) a person who attracts and absorbs criticism or controversy.
Rod-shaped (adj): Having the form of a cylinder; elongated and thin.

Synonyms

Bar: A long, rigid piece of metal or wood.
Pole: A long, slender, often cylindrical piece of wood or metal.
Stick: A thin piece of wood that has fallen or been cut from a tree.
Cane: A slender, flexible stem of certain plants; a stick used for support or punishment.

Related Phrasal Verbs

(Note: "Rod" is primarily a noun and does not commonly form phrasal verbs.)

Related Idioms

"Spare the rod and spoil the child": A proverb meaning that if you fail to discipline a child, you will spoil their character.
- He believes in strict discipline, citing "spare the rod and spoil the child."
"To rule with a rod of iron": To govern or control in a very strict and harsh way.
- The dictator ruled the country with a rod of iron for decades.
"To kiss the rod": To accept punishment submissively or without complaint.
- He knew he was wrong and was prepared to kiss the rod.

Noun

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