Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Conductor
Con-duct′or
(kŏn-dŭk′tẽr)
, Noun.
[LL., a carrier, transporter, L., a lessee.]
1.
One who, or that which, conducts; a leader; a commander; a guide; a manager; a director.
Zeal, the blind
conductor
of the will. Dryden.
2.
One in charge of a public conveyance, as of a railroad train or a street car.
[U. S.]
3.
(Mus.)
The leader or director of an orchestra or chorus.
4.
(Physics)
A substance or body capable of being a medium for the transmission of certain forces, esp. heat or electricity; specifically, a lightning rod.
5.
(Surg.)
A grooved sound or staff used for directing instruments, as lithontriptic forceps, etc.; a director.
6.
(Arch.)
Same as
Leader
. Prime conductor
(Elec.)
, the largest conductor of an electrical machine, serving to collect, accumulate, or retain the electricity.
Webster 1828 Edition
Conductor
CONDUCTOR
,Noun.
1.
A leader; a guide; one who goes before or accompanies, and shows the way.2.
A chief; a commander; one who leads an army or a people.3.
A director; a manager.4.
In surgery, an instrument which serves to direct the knife in cutting for the stone, and in laying up sinuses and fistulas; also, a machine to secure a fractured limb.5.
In electrical experiments, any body that receives and communicates electricity; such as metals and moist substances. Bodies which repel it, or into which it will not pass, are called non-conductors. Hence, 6.
A metallic rod erected by buildings or in ships, to conduct lightning to the earth or water, and protect the building from its effects.