access definition - Dictionary

Dictionary

ac·cess [ ák sèss ]

noun (plural ac·cess·es)

Definition:

1. entry or approach: a means of entering or approaching a place

Thieves gained access to the premises via a side door.

2. opportunity for use: the opportunity or right to experience or make use of something

3. right to meet somebody: the opportunity to meet somebody

4. entry to computer system: the right or ability to log on to a computer system or use a computer program

software that allows network access

5. outburst: a sudden strongly felt burst of emotion ( literary )

transitive verb (past and past participle ac·cessed, present participle ac·cess·ing, 3rd person present singular ac·cess·es)

Definition:

1. enter place: to find a means of entering or approaching a place

2. get information: to have the opportunity or right to experience or make use of something

3. call up data: to retrieve data or a computer file

The program can be accessed using the correct password.

[14th century. Directly or via Old French acces< Latin accessus, past participle of accedere "come near" (see accede)]

Spelling Note


	access or excess? Do not confuse the spelling of access and excess, which sound similar. Access refers to a right or opportunity for approach, entry, contact, or use: gain access to secret information, to access a computer program. Excess refers to something extra or more than enough: temperatures in excess of 100 degrees, excess baggage. Note also the literary use of access to mean "an outburst of emotion," as in an access of tenderness, and do not confuse it with excess meaning "a surplus of emotion," as in an excess of enthusiasm.

Word Usage


	access as a verb: It is entirely appropriate to use access as a verb in computing contexts, as in had to access several complex spreadsheets, but some critics resist its use in general contexts such as accessing bank accounts or biographical information.