conductor
UK: kənˈdʌktə | US: kənˈdʌktər
n. a person who directs the performance of an orchestra or choir
n. a material or device that conducts heat, electricity, or sound
n. someone who collects fares on a bus, train, or other public transport
The word "conductor" originates from Latin conducere ("to lead together"), combining con- (together) and ducere (to lead). The suffix -or denotes an agent performing the action. Historically, it referred to leaders or guides, later specializing in musical direction (18th century) and electrical/material contexts (19th century). The shared logic across meanings is "guiding or transmitting something (sound, electricity, people)."
The orchestra followed the conductor’s precise movements.
Copper is an excellent conductor of electricity.
The bus conductor announced the next stop.
Heat flows quickly through a metal conductor.
She trained for years to become a choir conductor.