divining rod

American  

noun

1. a rod, especially a forked stick, commonly of hazel, supposed to be useful in locating underground water, metal deposits, etc.

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divining rod British  

noun

1. Also called: dowsing rod.  a rod, usually a forked hazel twig, said to move or dip when held over ground in which water, metal, etc, is to be found

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Etymology

Origin of divining rod

First recorded in 1745–55

Example Sentences

They are similar to divining rods some claim can be used to find water, and that UK water companies have used in the past to search for underground pipes.

From BBC

And if you’re optically overwhelmed, may I suggest picking one material, color or theme that serves as an “I Spy” divining rod of sorts?

From Seattle Times

We'll never know where his singular literary divining rod would have drawn him next, but judging from the closing words of Stella Maris, it certainly feels like McCarthy was bidding the world farewell:

From Salon

It contained an analysis of data from farmers who had banded together to search for oil, using divining rods and other questionable techniques.

From Science Magazine

So how did I end up with a city employee traipsing across my front yard with divining rods on a recent evening, searching for underground water?

From Los Angeles Times