directory

/di'rektəri/

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Sure! The word "directory" is a noun that can be understood in a couple of different ways, mainly in the context of computer science and general information.

Basic Definition:

1. In Computer Science: A directory is a listing of files stored in memory, most often on a computer's hard disk. It helps users organize their files and find them easily.
2. In General Use: A directory can also refer to an alphabetical list of names and addresses, like a phone book or a business directory.

Usage Instructions:

• You can use "directory" when talking about organizing files on your computer or referring to a list of names and addresses.
• When mentioning a directory in computer science, you might talk about navigating through it to find specific files.

Examples:

• Computer Science: "I saved my document in the 'Documents' directory on my computer."
• General Use: "I looked up Sarah's number in the phone directory."

Advanced Usage:

• In a more advanced context, directories can be used in network systems, where they help manage user accounts or resources across multiple computers.

Word Variants:

• Directory (noun): The main form.
• Directories (plural): More than one directory.
• Directorial (adjective): Related to a director (not directly related to the main meaning but worth noting).

Different Meanings:

• Directory can also refer to a person or organization responsible for managing or organizing something, like a "film directory" that lists movies and their details.

Synonyms:

• List
• Catalog
• Index
• Guidebook (in the context of names and addresses)

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• There aren't specific idioms or phrasal verbs directly related to "directory," but you might say "to get lost in the directory" when you have trouble finding a file or piece of information.

Summary:

In summary, "directory" is a useful word for both organizing files on a computer and referring to lists of names or addresses.

Academic

Noun

1. (computer science) a listing of the files stored in memory (usually on a hard disk)
2. an alphabetical list of names and addresses