rod

Everyday

1. A rod is a long thin straight stick of wood, metal or plastic. tree →
2. A fishing rod is a long pole with a line, used to catch fish. tree →
3. A rod is an old unit of length, about 5 meters (5½ yards). tree →
4. Rods are also cells in the eye that help you see in dim light. tree →

In the lessons

In maths: things counted or lengths cut into pieces; fishing rods; also an old unit of length; number rods (Cuisenaire rods) to show numbers. In science: lightning rods protect buildings; rod cells in the eye. In everyday life: curtain rods, fishing trips. In stories: «rule with a rod of iron» means very strictly.

Examples

• A metal rod is 2 meters long. tree →
• He cut the rod into 5 equal parts. tree →
• Each fishing rod costs $25. tree →
• They have 3 rods and catch 12 fish. tree →
• A lightning rod on the roof keeps the house safe. tree →
• Hang the curtains on the rod. tree →
• We used coloured rods to show that 3 + 2 = 5. tree →
• Rod cells help us see in the dark. tree →
• Grandpa took his fishing rod down to the river. tree →

Note

Lengths cut into equal parts is division; rods bought at a price is multiplication. Trap: the number of cuts is one less than the number of pieces. Old unit: 1 rod = 5½ yards ≈ 5 meters. Rod is also a short name for Rodney or Roderick.

In Jewish tradition

A rod is a staff, used by shepherds and leaders; Moses's rod worked signs and wonders, and each tribe's rod was laid before God.

Interpretation. Tradition says Aaron's rod that budded showed God chose Aaron's family for the priesthood, and Moses's rod was a sign of God's power, not magic of its own.

Examples

• And Moses took the rod from before the LORD, as He commanded him. (Torah NUM.20.9, JPS 1917) tree →
• And thou shalt take in thy hand this rod, wherewith thou shalt do the signs.' (Torah EXO.4.17, JPS 1917) tree →
• And Moses laid up the rods before the LORD in the tent of the testimony. (Torah NUM.17.7, JPS 1917) tree →
• For there is a trial; and what if it contemn even the rod? (Prophets EZK.21.18, JPS 1917) tree →
• Thy bow is made quite bare; sworn are the rods of the word. (Prophets HAB.3.9, JPS 1917) tree →
• Their houses are safe, without fear, neither is the rod of God upon them. (Writings JOB.21.9, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Lengths cut into equal parts is division; rods bought at a price is multiplication. Trap: the number of cuts is one less than the number of pieces. Old unit: 1 rod = 5½ yards ≈ 5 meters. Rod is also a short name for Rodney or Roderick.