open-access

The compound adjective 'open-access' is a modern formation from two established English words. 'Open' originates from the Old English 'open', itself from a Proto-Germanic root meaning 'up' or 'lifted', conveying the sense of being uncovered and available. 'Access' entered English via Old French from the Latin 'accessus', a noun of action from 'accedere', meaning to come near. The term's logic is transparently literal: combining 'open' (unrestricted) with 'access' (the means of entry) to specifically denote systems, particularly in scholarly publishing and data sharing, where barriers to entry are removed, allowing free and unrestricted approach to information.

Structure: open (accessible) + access (entry) open: From Old English 'open' (adjective), meaning not closed, accessible, uncovered. Its functional role is to describe the state of being unrestricted. access: From Latin 'accessus', from 'accedere' (to approach). Its functional role is the core noun meaning entry or the ability to obtain something.