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• random access
  random access

  noun

  the capacity of a videodisc or compact disc player that allows the user to select and replay any portion without starting at the beginning.
• random-access
  random-access

  adjective

  direct-access.

random access

¹ American  

noun

1. the capacity of a videodisc or compact disc player that allows the user to select and replay any portion without starting at the beginning.

2. availability, as of a service or facility, whenever needed or desired.

   an executive's need for random access to legal experts.

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random-access ² American  

[ran-duhm-ak-ses] / ˈræn dəmˈæk sɛs /

adjective

Computers.

1. direct-access.

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random access British  

noun

1. another name for direct access

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Etymology

Origin of random access

First recorded in 1950–55

Example Sentences

Moreover, those tight market conditions apply to both high-end memory chips and the more traditional dynamic random access memory, or DRAM, chips.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 30, 2026

Micron mostly makes working or volatile memory, called dynamic random access memory, or DRAM.

From Barron's • Jan. 2, 2026

Ram - or random access memory - is used to store code while you use a device.

From BBC • Jan. 1, 2026

Demand in 2026 will likely be strong for dynamic random access memory and high-bandwidth memory, the analysts note.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 26, 2025

The TRS-80 Mini-Disk System uses sequential or random access.

From Radio Shack TRS-80 Expansion Interface: Operator's Manual Catalog Numbers: 26-1140, 26-1141, 26-1142 by Anonymous