lightning conductor
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: A lightning conductor is a metal rod or wire installed at the highest point of a building or structure and connected to the ground via a cable. Its primary function is to provide a safe, low-resistance path for a lightning strike's electrical current to travel directly into the earth, thereby protecting the structure from fire, explosion, or structural damage.
Usage
The term is used to describe the physical safety device itself and its protective function. * The architect specified that a new lightning conductor must be installed on the church spire. * For safety, tall trees near the barn are equipped with lightning conductors. * The building's lightning conductor successfully diverted the powerful strike, preventing a fire.
Advanced Usage
- The concept can be used metaphorically to describe a person or thing that attracts and harmlessly deflects criticism, blame, or negative attention.
- As the team's outspoken leader, he often acted as a lightning conductor for public criticism, shielding his colleagues.
Variants and Related Words
- Lightning rod (noun): The most common synonym in American English, with an identical literal meaning and the same metaphorical usage.
- Air terminal (noun): A more technical term for the metal rod at the top of the conductor system.
- Down conductor (noun): The cable that runs from the air terminal to the grounding system.
- Grounding electrode (noun): The part of the system buried in the earth.
Synonyms
- Lightning rod
- Arrestor (as in "lightning arrestor," though this more commonly refers to devices protecting electrical circuits)
Related Phrases
- To act as a lightning conductor/rod: To serve the metaphorical function of attracting and neutralizing negativity.
- Her controversial statement acted as a lightning conductor, drawing debate away from the party's internal issues.
Noun
- a metallic conductor that is attached to a high point and leads to the ground; protects the building from destruction by lightning