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• direct-access
  direct-access

  adjective

  pertaining to the ability to obtain data from, or place data in, external storage without the need to sequentially scan other data contained there.
• direct access
  direct access

  noun

  a method of reading data from a computer file without reading through the file from the beginning as on a disk or drum Compare sequential access

direct-access

American  

[dih-rekt-ak-ses, -ak-, dahy-] / dɪˈrɛktˈæk sɛs, -ˌæk-, daɪ- /

adjective

Computers.

1. pertaining to the ability to obtain data from, or place data in, external storage without the need to sequentially scan other data contained there.

2. pertaining to the method of organization and access used for a data structure in which records are located by their keys, without reference to other records that may have been previously accessed.

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direct access British  

noun

1. Also called: random access.  a method of reading data from a computer file without reading through the file from the beginning as on a disk or drum Compare sequential access

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Example Sentences

Other research has shown that inequality can increase poverty, reduce opportunities to move up the SES ladder, and limit access to education, employment, and social services.

From Science Daily • Jun. 14, 2026

Demand for Anthropic’s products has strained its computing resources and forced it to limit access for certain users.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 20, 2026

“The market’s not working the way it should. … These major producers have really worked to restrict and limit access to any competitors to get into the market.”

From Salon • May 15, 2026

He’s one of many Angelenos frustrated by recent efforts by the county health department to limit access to the drug.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 4, 2026

You could limit access to your channel so that only your friends could watch, or you could charge viewers by the hour to access your POV.

From "Ready Player One: A Novel" by Ernest Cline