Crossword Genius

Main direction of the sick bay? (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

seaward

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'the sick bay?' is the definition.
Both the answer and definition are adjectives. Perhaps you can see a link between them that I can't see?

'main direction' is the wordplay.
'main' becomes 'sea' (the main is an old name for the sea).
'direction' becomes 'ward' (I can't explain this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'sea'+'ward'='SEAWARD'

'of' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for seaward that I've seen before include "heading for coast?" , "Towards the ocean" , "Like sailor going out" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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