access: Meaning and Definition of

ac•cess

Pronunciation: (ak'ses), [key]
— n.
  1. the ability, right, or permission to approach, enter, speak with, or use; admittance: They have access to the files.
  2. the state or quality of being approachable: The house was difficult of access.
  3. a way or means of approach: The only access to the house was a rough dirt road.
  4. approach to God through Jesus Christ.
  5. an attack or onset, as of a disease.
  6. a sudden and strong emotional outburst.
  7. accession.
  8. See
—v.t.
  1. 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.
  2. to locate (data) for transfer from one part of a computer system to another, generally between an external storage device and main storage.
—adj.
  1. (of programming, time, etc.) available to the public: Six channels now offer access services.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.
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