1Any of various kinds of cell with a rod-like shape or constituent, or forming part of a rod-shaped organ or structure; (in flatworms) a cell which secretes rhabdoids. Now rare.
2An elongated light-sensitive cell in the retina; = "rod".
Origin
Mid 19th century; earliest use found in British and Foreign Medico-chirurgical Review. From rod + cell.
Definition of rod cell in US English:
rod cell
nounˈrɒd sɛl
1Any of various kinds of cell with a rod-like shape or constituent, or forming part of a rod-shaped organ or structure; (in flatworms) a cell which secretes rhabdoids. Now rare.
2An elongated light-sensitive cell in the retina; = "rod".
Origin
Mid 19th century; earliest use found in British and Foreign Medico-chirurgical Review. From rod + cell.