lightning rod

lightning rod

noun

Definition of LIGHTNING ROD

1

: a grounded metallic rod set up on a structure (as a building) to protect it from lightning

2

: one that serves to divert attack from another

3

: one that is a frequent target of criticism or focus of controversy <she has become a convenient lightning rod for voters' discontent with law-and-order issues — Aric Press et al.>

First Known Use of LIGHTNING ROD

1773

Rhymes with LIGHTNING ROD

accolade, amphipod, arthropod, bigarade, carbonnade, cattle prod, chiffonade, decapod, defilade, demigod, diplopod, dowsing rod, enfilade, escalade, esplanade, firing squad, flying squad, fusillade, gallopade, gastropod, goldenrod, hexapod, isopod, lycopod, monkeypod, monopod, Novgorod, Novi Sad, octopod, piston rod, promenade, pseudopod, rémoulade, rhizopod, spinning rod, tapenade, tetrapod, theropod, traverse rod