0 a strip of metal, going from the highest point of a building to the ground, that prevents lightning from damaging the building by taking the electricity to the ground before it can reach a dangerous level --
1 someone or something that takes all the blame or criticism in a situation, although other people or things are responsible too: --
The nacelle is protected by a lightning conductor, often copper.
The basket was equipped with a wicker chair, chart table, electric lamp, compass, telephone, and lightning conductor.
When the mill was repaired, a lightning conductor was added to the mill.
The stand's lightning conductor runs down this wall.
Viewed from the ground the corner to the right of the lightning conductor points due south.
Many fathers used that person as the lightning conductor for their anger about the agency.
However good the system—we are determined that ours should improve in every respect—a child support agency is like a lightning conductor in a thunderstorm.
One always has to have some kind of lightning conductor by which to transfer one's fears to earth.
