random access

¹ American  

noun

1. the capacity of a videodisc or compact disc player that allows the user to select and replay any portion without starting at the beginning.

2. availability, as of a service or facility, whenever needed or desired.

   an executive's need for random access to legal experts.

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random-access ² American  

[ran-duhm-ak-ses] / ˈræn dəmˈæk sɛs /

adjective

Computers.

1. direct-access.

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random access British  

noun

1. another name for direct access

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Etymology

Origin of random access

First recorded in 1950–55

Example Sentences

Memory prices have soared 80%-90% on quarter in 1Q so far, according to Counterpoint’s data, driven by a sharp price increase in dynamic random access memory used in general-purpose servers.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 6, 2026

Ram - or random access memory - is used to store code while you use a device.

From BBC • Jan. 1, 2026

He expects prices for dynamic random access memory--a type of semiconductor--to weigh on the Japanese company significantly in the second half of 2026.

From MarketWatch • Dec. 11, 2025

DRAM, or dynamic random access memory, allows a processor to store and rapidly access the data and program instructions it is actively using.

From Barron's • Dec. 10, 2025

The TRS-80 Mini-Disk System uses sequential or random access.

From Radio Shack TRS-80 Expansion Interface: Operator's Manual Catalog Numbers: 26-1140, 26-1141, 26-1142 by Anonymous