wand

A wand is a slender handheld rod or baton used for control, measurement, signaling, or ritual. The word derives from Old English wand, meaning a rod or stick.

In folklore and fantasy, the wand is a common magical implement believed to channel supernatural power. Wands are typically depicted as wooden shafts, sometimes inlaid with crystals or runes, and associated with wizards or sorcerers. The effectiveness of such wands is a feature of fiction and varies by story.

In ceremonial and symbolic contexts, wands and related staffs signify authority or office. In many cultures, leaders carry ceremonial wands to convey legitimacy or to perform ritual actions.

In practical domains, the term appears in several forms. An ultrasound or medical imaging wand is a handheld transducer used to emit and collect sound waves. A wireless or motion-controlled wand can function as a pointing device or remote, such as in entertainment systems or presentation tools. In contemporary magic and theater, wands are used as props with specialized grips and safety considerations.

Design and materials vary: traditional magic wands are commonly carved wood, sometimes adorned with gems; modern prop wands may be plastic or resin. Functional wands in medical or technological use prioritize sterilizable surfaces and ergonomic handles.

Related terms include rod, staff, scepter, pointer, and baton.