connecting rod

plural connecting rods

1. idiomaticusuallyA rod, inside a reciprocating engine, that connects a piston to the crankshaft.

   throw a connecting rod [ = when the reciprocating assembly flies apart, rarely]

   1 more example

   The engine threw a connecting rod at six thousand RPM and "ventilated" the engine block, as they say.

2. sometimesUsed other than figuratively or idiomatically: see connecting, rod: any rod that connects two other parts.

   There's a tiny connecting rod that links the actuator to this valve.