'Connecting rod' definitions:

Definition of 'connecting rod'

noun

A rod that transmits motion (especially one that connects a rotating wheel to a reciprocating shaft)

From: GCIDE

Connect \Con*nect"\ (k[o^]n*n[e^]kt"), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Connected; p. pr. & vb. n. Connecting.] [L. connectere, -nexum; con- + nectere to bind. See Annex.]
1. To join, or fasten together, as by something intervening; to associate; to combine; to unite or link together; to establish a bond or relation between. [1913 Webster]
He fills, he bounds, connects and equals all. --Pope. [1913 Webster]
A man must see the connection of each intermediate idea with those that it connects before he can use it in a syllogism. --Locke. [1913 Webster]
2. To associate (a person or thing, or one's self) with another person, thing, business, or affair. [1913 Webster]
3. To establish a communication link; -- used with with; as, his telephone didn't answer, so I connected with him by email. [PJC]
4. To electronically or mechanically link (a device) to another device, or to link a device to a common communication line; -- used with with; as, the installer connected our telephones on Monday; I connected my VCR to the TV set by myself; the plumber connected a shut-off valve to my gas line. [PJC]
Connecting rod (Mach.), a rod or bar joined to, and connecting, two or more moving parts; esp. a rod connecting a crank wrist with a beam, crosshead, piston rod, or piston, as in a steam engine. [1913 Webster]