A conduit is a channel or pipe that carries something from one place to another. Water flows through conduits to reach homes and buildings. Electrical wires run through protective conduits in walls. Underground conduits might carry cables for internet and telephone service beneath city streets.

A storm drain is a conduit for rainwater. The tubes in your school that carry hot or cold air from the heating and cooling system are conduits.

People also use conduit metaphorically to describe someone or something that passes information or influence between groups. A translator serves as a conduit between people who speak different languages. A student council representative acts as a conduit between classmates and school administration, carrying ideas and concerns in both directions. In this sense, being a conduit means you're the connection that allows something important to flow from one place to another.

Think of conduits as the invisible highways that keep modern life running smoothly, whether they're carrying water, electricity, information, or ideas.