The term 'WOODEN ROD' can be broken down into two crossword solutions: DOWEL (5 letters) and SPINDLE (7 letters). A DOWEL is a cylindrical rod, usually made of wood, used in carpentry for joining two pieces of wood together. A SPINDLE is a slender rod, also usually made of wood, that is used to hold an object in place or to turn it. Both dowels and spindles are commonly used in furniture making and other woodworking projects.