connecting rod

American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition

1. n. A rod that transmits motion or power from one moving part to another, especially the rod connecting the crankshaft of a motor vehicle to a piston. Also called pitman.

Century Dictionary and Cyclopedia

1. n. In engineering: The coupling-rod which connects the piston with the crank of the driving-wheel axle of a locomotive engine. See cut under locomotive.
2. n. The outside coupling-rod which connects the wheels of a locomotive engine, The rod connecting the cross-head of a beam-engine with that end of the working-beam which plays over the cylinder.

Wiktionary

1. n. Any rod, in an engine, that transmits power or motion, especially one that connects a reciprocating shaft to a rotating wheel, in reciprocating engines connects piston to crankshaft

GNU Webster's 1913

1. v. (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.

WordNet 3.0

1. n. a rod that transmits motion (especially one that connects a rotating wheel to a reciprocating shaft)