Conduct means to lead, guide, or direct something. A conductor conducts an orchestra, using hand movements to guide musicians through a symphony, keeping everyone playing together at the right tempo. A scientist conducts an experiment, carefully following steps to test a hypothesis. A teacher might conduct a class discussion, making sure everyone gets a chance to speak.

The word works as a noun too. Your conduct is how you behave, especially in situations where good judgment matters. A student with excellent conduct follows school rules, treats others respectfully, and makes responsible choices. A code of conduct is a set of rules explaining how people should behave in specific situations, like at school or during a sports match.

Conduct also has a scientific meaning: some materials conduct electricity or heat, meaning they allow it to flow through them. Copper wire conducts electricity well, which is why it's used in electrical cables. Water conducts heat, which is why a metal spoon in hot soup quickly becomes too hot to touch.

Notice how all these meanings share the idea of something moving or flowing: a conductor helps music move through an orchestra, heat conducts through metal, and good conduct helps you move through life successfully.