directory

In computing, a list of file names, together with information that enables a computer to retrieve those files from backing storage. The computer operating system will usually store and update a directory on the backing storage to which it refers. So, for example, on each disk used by a computer a directory file will be created listing the disk's contents.

The term is also used to refer to the area on a disk where files are stored; the main area, the root directory, is at the top-most level, and may contain several separate sub-directories.

Directory

The five-man ruling executive in France 1795-99. Established by the constitution of 1795, it failed to deal with the political and social tensions in the country and became increasingly unpopular after military defeats. It was overthrown by a military coup 9 November 1799 that brought Napoleon Bonaparte to power.

Members of the executive, known as the ‘five majesties’, included Paul-Jean Barras (1755-1829) and the Abbé Sieyès (1748-1836).