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

He came away from those discussions believing that investors are undervaluing the degree to which AI has made memory, specifically the dynamic random access memory that is Micron’s bread and butter, “a more strategic asset.”

From Barron's • Jan. 7, 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

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