conducts

Conducts is the third-person singular present tense of the verb conduct. It is used to describe performing, directing, or managing an activity, process, or group, as well as the transmission of something such as electricity or heat in a material. Examples include: metal conducts electricity, she conducts the orchestra, and the researchers conducts a survey. In addition, the reflexive form conduct oneself is used to describe one’s behavior or manner of acting.

Etymology and related forms: conduct comes from the Latin conducere, meaning to lead together, from con- “together” and ducere “to lead.” Related terms include conductor (a person who directs or a device that carries current), conduction (the process of transmitting energy), and conductive (capable of conducting).

Senses and usage: In everyday language, conduct primarily means to lead, manage, or carry out an activity, such as conducting a meeting, conducting an experiment, or conducting business. In science and engineering, it refers to the ability of a material to allow the flow of electricity or heat, as in “copper conducts electricity.” The phrase conduct oneself is used to describe one’s personal behavior or demeanor, as in “to conduct oneself professionally.”

Notes: Conduct as a noun refers to behavior or the act of guiding, but its plural form conducts is not used in that sense. Distinctions among forms include conduct (base form and noun) and conducted or conducting for past or present participles. The word is common across domains such as music, science, research, and daily behavior.