Definition of directives:
(n) :
An instruction or guideline that indicates how to perform an action or reach a goal.
(adj) :
That which directs; serving to direct, indicate, or guide.
(n) :
An authoritative decision from an official body, which may or may not have binding force.
(n) :
(European Union law) A form of legislative act addressed to the member states. The directive binds the member state to reach certain objectives in their national legislation.
(n) :
(programming) A construct in source code that indicates how it should be processed but is not necessarily part of the program to be run.
(adj) :
(grammar) Relating to the directive case.