baton
n. countable B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈbæˌtɑn// UK //bˈætən// ba·ton
n. a thin stick used by a leader to direct a group of musicians. It can also mean a short tube that runners pass to each other in a race.
n. a slender rod used by a conductor to direct an orchestra or musical ensemble; also refers to a short tube passed between members of a relay team.
The conductor raised his baton and the music began.
The runner dropped the baton during the final exchange, which unfortunately disqualified the entire relay team from the competition.
While the conductor's baton serves as a visual metronome for the percussion, its more subtle movements communicate phrasing and emotional intensity to the string section.
Usage
Commonly used in the context of orchestral conducting, relay races, or police equipment.