Long tapering rod with copper point (3)
I believe the answer is:
cue
'long tapering rod' is the definition.
'cue' can be an answer for 'rod' (I've seen this before). I am not certain of the 'long tapering' bit.
'with copper point' is the wordplay.
'with' says to put letters next to each other.
'copper' becomes 'cu' (chemical symbol).
'point' becomes 'e' (compass point).
'cu' next to 'e' is 'CUE'.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for cue that I've seen before include "Hint for a snooker or billiards striker" , "Reminder to do something" , "line in speech" , "Rod used in billiards" , "Catchword" .)