rod

Universal Words noun 1 (often used in compounds) a long straight piece of wood, metal or glass seealsoLIGHTNINGROD 2 = FISHINGROD: fishing with rod and line 3 (also the rod) (old-fashioned) a stick that is used for hitting people as a punishment: There used to be a saying: 'Spare the rod and spoil the child.' 4 (AmE, slang) a small gun IDIOMS make a rod for your own back to do sth that will cause problems for you in the future moreatBEATv., RULEv.