In music, the term sometimes applies to the modern model of conductor's baton (the earlier staff and baton cantoral being heavier and thus unfit for precise gestures). In literary language, "wand" can be a synonym for rod as an implement for corporal punishment, in the generic sense: either a multiple rod or a single branch (switch or cane), but not a specific physical type. Based on their magical symbolism, stage magicians often use "magic wands" as part of their misdirection.[14] These wands are traditionally short and black, with white tips.