access

[ak-ses]

noun

1. the ability, right, or permission to approach, enter, speak with, or use; admittance.

   They have access to the files.

2. a way or means of approach.

   The only access to the house was a rough dirt road.

3. the state or quality of being approachable.

   Located deep in the woods on an island with no dock, the cabin was difficult of access.

4. Theology.,  approach to God through Jesus Christ.

5. an attack or onset, as of a disease or symptom.

   Some influenza patients experience attacks for many weeks after the primary access.

   In a violent access of coughing I fractured one of my ribs.

6. a sudden, strong burst of emotion.

   In an access of clumsy tenderness, he tried to dry the tears that trembled on her eyelashes.

7. accession.

8. public-access television.

verb (used with object)

1. to make contact with or gain access to; be able to reach, approach, enter, etc..

   Bank customers can access their checking accounts instantly through the online portal.

2. Computers.,  (of a program or system component) to retrieve (data) for use by another program or application or for transfer from one part of the system to another.

   This key enables other applications to access data from within the event management system even if you aren't logged in.

adjective

1. Television.,  (of programming, time, etc.) available to the public.

   Six channels now offer access services.

access

/ ˈæksɛs /

noun

1. the act of approaching or entering

2. the condition of allowing entry, esp (of a building or room) allowing entry by wheelchairs, prams, etc

3. the right or privilege to approach, reach, enter, or make use of something

4. a way or means of approach or entry

5. the opportunity or right to see or approach someone

   she fights for divorce and free access to her children

6. (modifier) designating programmes made by the general public as distinguished from those made by professional broadcasters

   access television

7. a sudden outburst or attack, as of rage or disease

verb

1. to gain access to; make accessible or available

2. (tr) computing

   1. to obtain or retrieve (information) from a storage device

   2. to place (information) in a storage device See also direct access sequential access

Other Word Forms

• preaccess noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of access¹

First recorded in 1275–1325; Middle English accesse, from Old French acces or directly from Latin accessus “an approach,” equivalent to acced-, variant stem of accēdere “to accede ” + -tus suffix of verb action

Word History and Origins

Origin of access¹

C14: from Old French or from Latin accessus an approach, from accēdere to _accede

Example Sentences

“Across all her work, Priscilla pushes for equity and access, reimagining philanthropy to drive large-scale, inclusive change,” he said in an email.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

For users, the impacts ranged from the serious - such as not being able to access vital banking, government or work services - to the not-so-serious, such as fears of losing long built-up streaks on Duolingo.

Read more on BBC

Villa have now announced their ticketing policy for the match, insisting that only supporters with a purchase history prior to this season will be able to access a ticket.

Read more on BBC

To access her Concerta prescription, Reisen must secure a prior authorization — a bureaucratic ordeal of long phone calls and tracking deadlines that demands the very focus her medication is meant to provide.

Read more on MarketWatch

He has access to the human biomechanics and physiology lab, which includes a golf simulator, motion-capture cameras and environmental chambers that control temperature and elevation.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• approach 
• connection 
• entry