Direct

(de-rěkt'.) [Fr., from L. direct us, straight.] (Astron.) Noting the course of a planet or heavenly body when it moves forward in the zodiac according to the natural order and succe ion of the signs:- the converse of retrograde.-(Mus.) A mark, thus (W), placed at the end of a stave in order to point out to the player the allocution of the leading note on the stave which immediately follows. Direct -action engine. (Mach.) A marine steam-engine, in which the rotary motion is imparted to a crank fixed immediately above the cylinder, so as to economize weight and space. [s. 290]