a long thin implement made of metal or wood
"The carpenter used a wooden rod to stir the thick paint in the bucket."
any rod-shaped bacterium
"The microbiologist identified the pathogen as a rod-shaped bacterium responsible for the sudden outbreak in the hospital ward."
a visual receptor cell that is sensitive to dim light
"The rod cells in his eyes were doing most of the work as he walked through the pitch-black forest at night."
A straight, round stick, shaft, bar, cane, or staff.
"The old man leaned on his wooden rod as he walked slowly down the cobblestone street."
In plain English: A rod is a long, thin piece of metal or wood used for support or as a tool.
"The fishing rod bent sharply when the big fish pulled against the line."
To reinforce concrete with metal rods.
"The construction crew will rod the foundation before pouring the cement to ensure it is strong enough to support the new building."
In plain English: To rod something means to clean it out using a long metal tube.
"He will rod out the water pipe to clear the blockage."
Usage: Use this verb specifically when describing the process of strengthening concrete structures by inserting steel bars during construction. It is often paired with terms like "reinforce," as in to rod and tie a foundation before pouring.
A nickname for the male given names Rodney and Roderick.
"After years of being called Rod, his friends finally decided to start addressing him by his full name, Roderick."
The word rod likely comes from a Proto-Germanic root meaning "stick" or "club," which may have originally referred to clearing land in ancient Indo-European languages. Its exact origin remains uncertain, though it is probably related to the Old Norse word for club and distinct from other Germanic terms for poles.