directional

American  

[dih-rek-shuh-nl, dahy-] / dɪˈrɛk ʃə nl, daɪ- /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or indicating direction in space.

2. Radio. adapted for determining the direction of signals received, or for transmitting signals in a given direction.

   a directional antenna.

3. of, relating to, or providing guidance or leadership.

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directional British  

/ dɪˈrɛkʃənəl, daɪ- /

adjective

1. of or relating to a spatial direction

2. electronics

   1. having or relating to an increased sensitivity to radio waves, sound waves, nuclear particles, etc, coming from a particular direction

   2. (of an aerial) transmitting or receiving radio waves more effectively in some directions than in others

3. physics electronics

   1. concentrated in, following, or producing motion in a particular direction

   2. indicating direction

4. indicating the direction something, such as a fashion trend, might take

   directional fashion looks

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Other Word Forms

• directionality noun
• directionally adverb
• undirectional adjective

Etymology

Origin of directional

First recorded in 1605–15; direction + -al ¹

Example Sentences

“This is a directional shift for the gas market: from expecting more supply flexibility over time to confronting tighter balances and greater infrastructure risk,” said Jan-Eric Fähnrich, senior analyst at consulting firm Rystad Energy.

From The Wall Street Journal

When the market’s directional trend is hijacked by forces that marginalize financial metrics like corporate earnings growth and profit margins, it’s more significant than merely investor sentiment souring.

From Barron's

These vibrations mix electronic states and effectively push the electron across the boundary, creating a directional, ballistic motion instead of slow and random diffusion.

From Science Daily

Gradients of signalling molecules act like directional cues, helping cells move and develop in the correct locations.

From Science Daily

“India’s defense modernization over this period has been directionally correct, but at a pace and level of effort that is incommensurate with its threat environment.”

From The Wall Street Journal