rung 1 
(rŭng)
(rŭng)n.
1. A rod or bar forming a step of a ladder.
2. A crosspiece between the legs of a chair.
3. The spoke in a wheel.
4. Nautical One of the spokes or handles on a ship's wheel.
5. A level or degree in a hierarchy: a middle manager awaiting a promotion to the next rung.
[Middle English, from Old English hrung.]