Meaning & use
connecting rod
Last updated
Meaning
nouncountabletechnicalspecialist
A metal rod that joins a piston to a crankshaft in an engine, converting up-and-down motion into rotation.
Grammar: Countable; plural 'connecting rods'. Often used with 'the' in context: 'the connecting rod failed.'
Patterns
- a connecting rod connects something to something
- the connecting rod of an engine
The mechanic replaced the damaged connecting rod in the car's engine.
A connecting rod transfers force from the piston to the crankshaft.
If the connecting rod breaks, the engine will suffer serious damage.
Word forms
| plural | connecting rods |
|---|
Common combinations
- connecting rod bearing
- The connecting rod bearing had worn out and needed to be replaced.
- bent connecting rod
- A bent connecting rod can cause the engine to knock loudly.
- replace the connecting rod
- You should replace the connecting rod if it shows signs of cracking.
- connecting rod assembly
- The connecting rod assembly includes the rod, cap, and bearings.
Synonyms and how they differ
- con rod
- An informal abbreviation common in British English, especially among mechanics.
Word family
- connecting adjective
- Used before a noun to describe something that joins or links, as in 'connecting flight' or 'connecting rod'.
- rod noun
- A straight, thin piece of metal or wood; the base word in this compound.
Commonly confused: connecting rod or piston rod?
connecting rod vs piston rod
A piston rod is part of a steam engine or pump, while a connecting rod is typically found in internal combustion engines. They are similar but not identical.
Practice
What is the main function of a connecting rod in an engine?
Choose one answer.
A connecting rod links the piston to the crankshaft, converting linear motion into rotary motion. The other options describe different engine parts or functions.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “connecting rod”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.