Entry Word: directive

Function: noun

Meaning: 1 a statement of what to do that must be obeyed by those concerned <the company president regularly issues directives intended for all staff members> — see command 1
2 an order publicly issued by an authority <a directive issued by the archbishop that is to be read during Sunday services at every parish> — see edict 1
3 a written communication giving information or directions <a growing stack of unread directives from the company vice president> — see memorandum 1