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

But increasing access to a treatment that could benefit millions of middle-aged women seems like a win for women’s health.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

There is no trunk in front, but rather a small drawer that you pull out to access the battery.

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"We gained access to exceptionally well-preserved mammoth tissues unearthed from the Siberian permafrost, which we hoped would still contain RNA molecules frozen in time," adds Emilio Mármol.

Read more on Science Daily

"Continued inaction will result in a third warning letter sent to the platform, which carries additional penalties and may lead to access termination," Alexander Sabar, director general for digital space supervision, told AFP.

Read more on Barron's

The agency has kept its alert level unchanged at three on a scale of five, which restricts access to the mountain.

Read more on Barron's

Related Words

• approach 
• connection 
• entry