direct-acting

[ dih-rekt-ak-ting, dahy- ]

/ dɪˈrɛktˌæk tɪŋ, daɪ- /

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adjective

(of a steam pump) having the steam pistons connected directly to the pump pistons without a crankshaft or flywheel.

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Direct Questions vs. Reported Dialogue A direct question is when you ask a question by speaking directly (e.g. “How are you doing today?”). Reported dialogue is when you report what someone else says (e.g. “Joan asked how you’re doing today.”). Reported dialogue usually uses the third person point of view. Direct Questions Direct questions usually include interrogative pronouns or adverbs. Interrogative pronouns and adverbs include words like as who, what, …

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Nearby words

direct tax, direct transfusion, direct vision, direct-access, direct-access storage device, direct-acting, direct-dial, direct-examine, direct-grant school, direct-mail shot, direct-mailer

Origin of direct-acting

First recorded in 1855–60

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for direct-acting

In a direct-acting engine the throw of the crank is equal to the stroke of the piston.
An Introduction to Machine Drawing and Design|David Allan Low
Each was fitted with a Blake, horizontal, direct-acting, vacuum pump.
Transactions of the American Society of Civil Engineers, Vol. LXVIII, Sept. 1910|B. H. M. Hewett
Fishers carriages were driven by direct-acting engines, one cylinder on each side of the smoke-box.
Automobile Biographies|Lyman Horace Weeks
A vastly simpler form of pumping-engine without fly-wheel is the now common “direct-acting steam-pump.”
A History of the Growth of the Steam-Engine|Robert H. Thurston

Direct-acting compressors are liable to center when doing work at slow speed.
Scientific American Supplement, No. 799, April 25, 1891|Various