Noun: lightning rod lIt-ning ród
- A metallic conductor that is attached to a high point and leads to the ground; protects the building from destruction by lightning
"The tall skyscraper was equipped with a lightning rod";
- lightning conductor
- Someone who is a frequent target of negative reactions and serves to distract attention from another
"The controversial CEO became a lightning rod for criticism of the company's policies"
Derived forms: lightning rods
Type of: actor, conductor, doer, worker
Encyclopedia: Lightning rod