Definition

1. Noun:
   • A person who directs the performance of an orchestra or choir: This person leads the musicians, controlling the tempo, dynamics, and interpretation of the music.
   • A person who collects fares on a public vehicle: This person is responsible for taking payment from passengers on buses, trams, or trains.
   • A material or object that allows the easy passage of electricity, heat, or sound: This substance permits energy or signals to flow through it with minimal resistance.
   • A guide or leader: This person leads or escorts a group, though this usage is less common than the primary meanings.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The conductor raised his baton, and the orchestra began to play. (Referring to a musical leader.)
  • Please have your ticket ready for the conductor. (Referring to a fare collector on a train.)
  • Copper is an excellent conductor of electricity. (Referring to a material.)
  • The tour conductor led the group through the museum. (Referring to a guide.)

Advanced Usage

• "Lightning conductor/rod": A metal rod installed on a building to divert lightning safely into the ground.

  • The old church was protected by a tall lightning conductor.

• In a figurative sense: Something that channels or transmits a non-physical thing.

  • He was a conductor of new ideas within the company.

Variants and Related Words

• Conduct (verb): To lead, guide, or direct; to transmit (heat, electricity, etc.).

  • She will conduct the interview. / Metals conduct heat.

• Conduction (noun): The process by which heat or electricity is directly transmitted through a substance.

  • Heat transfer by conduction is very efficient in metals.

• Conductive (adjective): Having the property of conducting something.

  • The material is highly conductive.

• Conductress (noun, dated): A female conductor, especially on a bus or train.

  • The conductress announced the next stop.

Synonyms

• Leader, Maestro, Maestress (for a musical conductor).
• Fare collector, Ticket inspector (for a public transport official).
• Transmitter, Medium, Channel (for a material that conducts).

Related Phrasal Verbs/Phrases

• To conduct oneself: To behave in a particular way.
  • He conducted himself with great dignity during the crisis.

Related Idioms

• A lightning rod for criticism: Someone or something that attracts a lot of criticism, analogous to a lightning conductor attracting electricity.
  • The controversial policy made the minister a lightning rod for criticism.

Noun

1. a device designed to transmit electricity, heat, etc.
2. the person who collects fares on a public conveyance
3. a substance that readily conducts e.g. electricity and heat
4. the person who leads a musical group