Lightning rod Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun someone who is a frequent target of negative reactions and serves to distract attention from another
  2. noun a metallic conductor that is attached to a high point and leads to the ground; protects the building from destruction by lightning
    lightning conductor.

WordNet

Definitions
  1. a metallic rod set up on a building, or on the mast of a vessel, and connected with the earth or water below, for the purpose of protecting the building or vessel from lightning.

Webster 1913