noun
Primarily used in navigation (ships, aircraft) to mean the intended direction of travel. Can also be used metaphorically for a course of action or policy.
船は針路を南に取った。
The ship set a course to the south.
政府は新たな経済政策の針路を示した。
The government indicated the direction of its new economic policy.
Compound of 針 (needle, here referring to a compass needle) and 路 (path, route). The word originally described a ship's course as indicated by a compass.