Conductor
/kənˈdʌk.tər/noun
A person who leads an orchestra or choir, or a material that allows heat, electricity, or sound to pass through it.
Did you know?Conductor ultimately comes from Latin *conducere*, meaning “to lead together,” and its *duc-* root is the same ancient lineage behind words of command, leadership, and guidance.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*deuk-
“to lead”
Latin
Latin
conducere
“to lead together; bring together; hire”
Late Latin
Latin
conductor
“a leader, guide, or one who contracts to provide something”
14th Century
English
conductor
“a guide or leader; later, a person who directs a musical performance”
Modern English
English
conductor
“a person who directs an orchestra or choir, or a substance that transmits heat or electricity”