WordWeight : Weighing the Words

Pronunciation : Ac*cess" (#; 277)
Part of Speech : n.
Etymology : [F. acc?s, L. accessus, fr. accedere. See Accede.]
Definition : 1. A coming to, or near approach; admittance; admission; accessibility; as, to gain access to a prince. I did repel his letters, and denied His access to me. Shak.

2. The means, place, or way by which a thing may be approached; passage way; as, the access is by a neck of land. "All access was thronged." Milton.

3. Admission to sexual intercourse. During coverture, access of the husband shall be presumed, unless the contrary be shown. Blackstone.

4. Increase by something added; addition; as, an access of territory. [In this sense accession is more generally used.] I, from the influence of thy looks, receive Access in every virtue. Milton.

5. An onset, attack, or fit of disease. The first access looked like an apoplexy. Burnet.

6. A paroxysm; a fit of passion; an outburst; as, an access of fury. [A Gallicism]


Source : Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913