conductor

The word conductor is used in several different senses, and each has different synonyms.

music

In the context of music, a conductor is the one who conducts a musical group, especially an orchestra or choir. The specific terms orchestra conductor and choir conductor are sometimes used. The position can also be called director. An especially talented conductor might be called a maestro.

trains and transportation

On trains, the word conductor often refers to the worker in charge collecting fares or tickets from passengers, among other duties, such as announcing stations. In general, such a person could be called a train conductor. This sense of the word is also sometimes used for a person who does this on a bus.

This person may alternatively be called a ticket collector or a ticket taker.

science

Conductor is also a word for a material that conducts electricity, heat, light, or sound. Such a material functions as a medium for these things (such as an electrical current) to travel through. More specific terms like electrical conductor are sometimes used.

general

Sometimes, conductor is used in a very general way to refer to someone who is in charge of conducting, directing, or managing something. Synonyms for this sense include director, manager, and supervisor.

Conductor is largely used as a gender-neutral term. However, to specify that a conductor is a woman, you could use the word conductress. However, this term is rarely used. The word conductrix is also sometimes used, but is also very rare.

In scientific contexts, the opposite of a conductor is a nonconductor—a material that does not readily conduct electricity, heat, sound, or light. Certain nonconductive materials are called insulators. Examples of insulators include materials like glass, plastic, and rubber.