Definitions of lightning rod [ˈlaɪt nɪŋ]

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Definition of 'lightning rod'

Random House Webster's College Dictionary

1. (n.) lightning rod
a rodlike metallic conductor installed to divert lightning away from a structure by providing a direct path to the ground.

2. lightning rod
a person or thing that attracts negative feelings, opinions, etc., thereby diverting them from other targets.

Etymology: (1780–90, Amer.)

Definition of 'lightning rod'

Princeton's WordNet

1. (noun) lightning rod
someone who is a frequent target of negative reactions and serves to distract attention from another

2. (noun) lightning rod, lightning conductor
a metallic conductor that is attached to a high point and leads to the ground; protects the building from destruction by lightning

'lightning rod' - Nearby Entries
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