Let $A_1, \ldots, A_n$ be objects in some category of universal algebra. Then we may form what is called their "direct product"
$$ A_1 \times \cdots \times A_n $$
with pointwise operations.
I've been wondering why we call this construct the "direct" product. Categorically, it seems to be one of the (canonically isomorphic) ways of constructing a product. What is so "direct" about it? After all, the diagram that the limit is over is devoid of arrows!