random-access

IPA/ˌrændəm ˈækses/
IPA/ˌrændəm ˈækses/

random-access — adjective

1. describes a type of computer memory or storage that lets the system read or writ

1.adjectiveB2
Definition

describes a type of computer memory or storage that lets the system read or write data at any chosen position directly, without needing to go through earlier data first.

Example

The system's random-access file system drastically reduced load times during boot-up.

collocation: random-access memory (RAM)

João explained that random-access storage allows the system to open any file in milliseconds.

random-access + storage for describing a device type

Common collocations
  • random-access memory
  • random-access storage
  • random-access file system
Synonyms
  • direct-access

    less common synonym, used mainly in older technical documentation

Antonyms
  • sequential

    describes storage that must read data in order from beginning to end

Grammar Patterns

random-access + noun

Usage Note

Usually placed before a noun such as memory, storage, or file system. The hyphen is typically kept when the compound modifies a noun.

Common Mistakes

I need to buy a random access computer.
I need to buy a computer with random-access memory.
random-access describes the type of memory, not the computer itself.
My phone has 128 GB of random-access.
My phone has 128 GB of random-access storage.
the adjective needs a noun after it.

random-access — noun

Word family

  • random-access memory
    nounB2
  • random access
    nounB2
  • randomly access
    verbC1

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

Random access and direct access both describe the ability to reach any storage location without scanning previous data, but random access is the standard term in modern computing, especially for memory (RAM) and solid-state drives. Direct access is a broader term used in older literature and can apply to non-computer contexts (e.g., direct access to a manager). Sequential access is the opposite concept — a tape drive or early data stream that must read from the start. For example: 'A hard disk supports random access to any sector, whereas a magnetic tape only allows sequential access.'

random accessdirect accesssequential access

Common collocations

Nouns

Adverbs

Phrases

  • random access to
  • support random access

Prepositions

Etymology

Englishcomputing terminology

The compound 'random-access' was formed in the 1950s during the early development of computer memory systems. 'Random' here means 'any arbitrary location' (not 'haphazard'), combined with 'access' (the ability to retrieve data). The term was popularised by the invention of random-access memory (RAM), which replaced sequential storage methods like magnetic tape. The hyphen distinguishes the adjective form from the noun phrase 'random access'.

First known use

1953

1953, in the meaning defined above