a person who directs a group of musicians so that they play or sing together
The orchestra grew silent as the conductor raised her baton.
After the final note, the audience applauded the conductor for leading a brilliant performance.
✦ Borrowed from Latin *conductus* (past participle of *conducere* “to lead together”). Later used in English for someone who leads musicians.
a person on a train or bus whose job is to check tickets, help passengers, and make announcements
The conductor walked down the aisle collecting fares from each passenger.
A friendly conductor helped the elderly woman lift her suitcase onto the luggage rack.
✦ From the idea of a person who ‘conducts’ or guides others, the term was applied in the 19th century to railway staff who guided passengers and oversaw tickets.
a substance or object that allows heat or electricity to flow through it easily
Copper is an excellent conductor of electricity, which is why it is used in wiring.
Because rubber is not a conductor, electricians wear rubber gloves for safety.
✦ Scientific use arose in the 18th century from Latin *conductus*, describing a material that ‘leads’ heat or electricity.
