access
UK: ˈækses | US: ˈækses
n. 1. the means or opportunity to enter, approach, or use something
n. 2. the right or ability to obtain or make use of something
vt. 1. to obtain or retrieve (data or a file) from a computer system
access = ac<to, toward> + cess<go, move>
- ac (prefix): from Latin ad- ("to, toward"), assimilated to ac- before c-.
- cess (root): from Latin cessus, past participle of cedere ("to go, move, yield").
Etymology Origin:
The word access traces back to Latin accessus, derived from accedere ("to approach"). The prefix ac- signals direction ("toward"), while -cess conveys movement ("go"). Originally used in physical contexts (e.g., approaching a place), it later expanded to abstract rights (e.g., access to information) and computing (e.g., accessing data). The morphemes reflect a logical progression from literal movement to metaphorical entry or permission.
The building has wheelchair access for disabled visitors.
Students need a password to access the online library.
The journalist was denied access to the confidential documents.
The new software allows faster access to stored files.
Remote workers can access the company’s database from home.