lightning rod

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lightning rod

lightning rod a rod made of materials, especially metals, that are good conductors of electricity, which is mounted on top of a building or other structure and attached to the ground by a cable. By virtue of its position, shape, and conductivity the rod attracts lightning discharges much more readily than the building on which it is mounted. When struck, the connecting cable carries the discharge safely into the ground, preventing any damage to the building. Benjamin Franklin , in his kite experiment (1752), proved that lightning and electricity are identical and subsequently invented the lightning rod.

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lightning rod

The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English | 2009 | © The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English 2009, originally published by Oxford University Press 2009. (Hide copyright information) Copyright

light·ning rod • n. a metal rod or wire fixed to an exposed part of a building or other tall structure to divert lightning harmlessly into the ground. ∎ fig. a person or thing that attracts a lot of criticism, esp. in order to divert attention from more serious issues or to allow a more important public figure to appear blameless.

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"lightning rod." The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English. 2009. Encyclopedia.com. 7 Dec. 2009 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

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Free newspaper and magazine articles

	Lightning Rod Software Announces Strategic Business Alliance With Agiliti. Business Wire; 10/3/2000
	Happy Birthday, Ben.(General News)(From lightning rods to bifocals to beer, we celebrate the life of `The First American') Newspaper article from: The Register-Guard (Eugene, OR); 1/15/2006
	Lightning Rod Software Announces Support of Shoreline Communications' IP Voice Platform. Business Wire; 10/12/2000

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