Category:Rod

Rod, n. Etym: [the same word as rood. See rood.]

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. Black rod. See in the vocabulary. -- rods and cones (anat.), the elongated cells or elements of the Sensory layer of the retina, some of which are cylindrical, others Somewhat conical.