1 In this sense it is nearly synonymous with synopsis. ( 2 n.) The tracing of things to their source, and the resolving of knowledge into its original principles. ( 3 n.) A syllabus, or table of the principal heads of a discourse, disposed in their natural order.
A lightning rod or lightning conductor is a iron rod that is used to make lightning strike it, rather than strike something else. It is part of a lightning protection system. Such a system is made of many such rods. These rods are usually placed at high points of buildings and structures.
Franklin's lightning rods could soon be found protecting many buildings and homes. The lightning rod constructed on the dome of the State House in Maryland was the largest Franklin lightning rod ever attached to a public or private building in Ben's lifetime. It was built in accord with his recommendations and has had only one recorded instance of lightning damage.