connecting rod

a rod or link for transmitting motion and force between a rotating and a reciprocating part, as between a piston and a crankshaft.

Origin of connecting rod

First recorded in 1830–40

The engine is horizontal, and the connecting-rod directly attached to cross-head and crank-pin without intermediate mechanism.

A History of the Growth of the Steam-Engine |Robert H. Thurston
Half-way down this lever was hinged a connecting-rod, joining the lever with the second joint of the 'tongs.'

Sharps and Flats |John Nevil Maskelyne
The lubrication of the crank-shaft and of the two connecting-rod heads should receive every attention.

Gas-Engines and Producer-Gas Plants |R. E. Mathot
And now,” dropping the connecting-rod in his pocket, “the next thing is something else.

White Fire |Roy J. Snell

The connecting-rod that worked the magnet had got out of adjustment, and so the timing of the explosions was wrong.

The Lightning Conductor |C. N. Williamson

connecting rod

a rod or bar for transmitting motion, esp one that connects a rotating part to a reciprocating part

such a rod that connects the piston to the crankshaft in an internal-combustion engine or reciprocating pump See also big end, little end

a similar rod that connects the crosshead of a steam engine to the crank

Often shortened to: con rod