noun
conductor
kuhn-DUHKT
noun
1
A person who directs an orchestra, choir, or other group of musicians.
"The conductor raised her baton and the orchestra fell silent."
"He studied under a famous conductor in Vienna."
2
A person who collects tickets and assists passengers on a train or bus.
"The conductor walked through the carriage checking tickets."
"She asked the conductor which stop was hers."
3
A material or object that allows electricity, heat, or sound to pass through it.
"Copper is an excellent conductor of electricity."
"Metal rods act as conductors, carrying lightning safely to the ground."
How to Use Conductor
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomeone (or something) that leads, guides, or carries something along — a person directing music, a train worker, or a material that lets electricity flow.
Common mistake
Don't confuse a train conductor (checks tickets, helps passengers) with the driver, who actually operates the train.
Common pairings
orchestra conductor
train conductor
good conductor of heat
Word Forms
conductors plural
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The _____ raised her baton and the orchestra fell silent.
Etymology
From Middle French conductour, going back to Latin conductor, "one who leads or hires" — from the same root as "conduct."