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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

See Examples For:

direct-access direct access

Features: Each residence has a direct-access elevator from the garage to the private foyer, wide-plank hardwood flooring, 10-foot-high ceilings, crown molding, recessed lightning and a gas fireplace with a marble surround.

From Washington Post ● Jun. 25, 2015

On the question of whether the UK uses direct-access pipes, Vodafone's Deadman said such a system would be illegal because Britain did not permit agencies to obtain information without a warrant.

From The Guardian ● Jun. 5, 2014

Vodafone is calling for all direct-access pipes to be disconnected, and for the laws that make them legal to be amended.

From The Guardian ● Jun. 5, 2014

Matthew Schulze of the American Society for Clinical Pathology says 32 states, as well as Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia, permitted some form of direct-access testing last year--up from 27 in 1999.

From Time Magazine Archive

The homes offer large floor plans, direct-access elevators, high ceilings, private rooftop terraces or private balconies, a home automation system, fireplaces and high-end fixtures and appliances.

From Washington Post

With an entire wing dedicated to the primary suite, which features a fireplace, patio with direct access to the pool, and a lavish bathroom, the abode is certainly a relaxing retreat.

From MarketWatch ● Oct. 27, 2026

Without direct access to the small circle of migrant potters who knew these methods, Tampa Bay residents would have had little opportunity to learn them.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 6, 2026

The Nvidia boss also highlighted the value of open models - systems which give users direct access to the software - as a way to "ensure that people and countries are not left behind".

From BBC ● Sep. 17, 2026

Harp is also one of the few officials with direct access to Trump's Truth Social account.

From Barron's ● Aug. 19, 2026

One of the few with direct access to the subtrans system.

From "The Kill Order (Maze Runner, Book Four; Origin)" by James Dashner

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