directive

Short definition from Wiktionary

Adjective

1. 1
   That which directs; serving to direct, indicate, or guide.
2. 2
   Relating to the directive case.

Noun

1. 1
   An instruction or guideline that indicates how to perform an action or reach a goal.
2. 2
   A construct in source code that indicates how it should be processed but is not necessarily part of the program to be run.
3. 3
   An authoritative decision from an official body, which may or may not have binding force.
4. 4
   A form of legislative act addressed to the member states. The directive binds the member state to reach certain objectives in their national legislation.
5. 5
   The directive case.