conductor
A material or object that allows electricity, heat, or sound to flow through it easily.
While any material can technically pass electricity under extreme conditions, a conductor refers specifically to materials (like copper or silver) with free electrons that facilitate easy flow with minimal loss.
Word relationships
- transmitter: Transmitter is more general and often refers to sending signals or waves through space, whereas a conductor physically carries a current or heat through its substance.
- insulator: An insulator is a material that actively resists or prevents the flow of electricity or heat.
Commonly confused with
- conduit: A conduit is a protective pipe or channel for housing wires, whereas a conductor is the wire itself that carries the current.
Word family
- conduct (verb): To allow heat or electricity to pass through.
- conductive (adjective): Having the property of conducting heat or electricity.
- conductivity (noun): The degree to which a specified material conducts electricity.
Collocations
- good conductor
- electrical conductor
- thermal conductor
- metallic conductor
Example sentences
- "Copper is widely used in household wiring because it is an excellent conductor of electricity." A description of standard electrical wiring materials.
- "Metals in general are the best conductors, whereas non-metals are usually poor conductors." A classic scientific observation of electrical properties.
Memory hook
Think of a train conductor who 'leads' the train along the tracks; an electrical conductor 'leads' the electrical current along the wire. The conductor leads the electrical orchestra.
When not to use
Do not confuse with a 'conduit,' which is a physical pipe or tube that protects wires, rather than the material of the wire itself.
Fun facts
- Silver is actually a better conductor of electricity than copper, but copper is used far more often because it is much cheaper and more ductile.
Related words
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