access

[ ak-ses ]
/ ˈæk sɛs /

noun

verb (used with object)

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 new electronic system.
Computers. to locate (data) for transfer from one part of a computer system to another, generally between an external storage device and main storage.

adjective

Television. (of programming, time, etc.) available to the public: Six channels now offer access services.

Origin of access

1275–1325; Middle English accesse (< Old French acces) < Latin accessus an approach, equivalent to acced-, variant stem of accēdere to accede + -tus suffix of v. action

OTHER WORDS FROM access

pre·ac·cess, noun

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH access

access assess excess

Example sentences from the Web for access

British Dictionary definitions for access

access
/ (ˈæksɛs) /

noun

verb

to gain access to; make accessible or available
(tr) computing
  1. to obtain or retrieve (information) from a storage device
  2. to place (information) in a storage deviceSee also direct access, sequential access

Word Origin for access

C14: from Old French or from Latin accessus an approach, from accēdere to accede

Medical definitions for access

access
[ ăksĕs ]

n.

A means of approaching, entering, exiting, or making use of; passage.
The space required to view a tooth and manipulate dental instruments to remove decay and prepare the tooth for restoration.
The opening in the crown of a tooth necessary to allow adequate admittance to the pulp space to clean, shape, and seal the root canal.