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access

Pronunciation: /ˈaksɛs/
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Definition of access

noun

  • 1 [mass noun] (often access to) the means or opportunity to approach or enter a place:the staircase gives access to the top floor wheelchair access
  • the right or opportunity to use or benefit from something:do you have access to a computer? awards to help people gain access to training
  • the right or opportunity to approach or see someone:we were denied access to our grandson
  • the process of obtaining or retrieving information stored in a computer’s memory: this prevents unauthorized access or inadvertent deletion of the file
  • [as modifier] denoting broadcasting produced by minority and specialist interest groups, rather than by professionals:access television
  • 2 [in singular] literary an attack or outburst of an emotion:I was suddenly overcome with an access of rage

verb

[with object]
  • 1approach or enter (a place):single rooms have private facilities accessed via the balcony
  • 2obtain or retrieve (computer data or a file): information can be accessed from several files and displayed at the same time

Origin:

Middle English (in the sense 'sudden attack of illness'): from Latin accessus, from the verb accedere 'to approach' (see accede). access (sense 1 of the noun) is first recorded in the early 17th century

Spelling help

Remember that access is spelled with a double c and a double s.

access in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of access in the US English dictionary

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