virtual

American  

[vur-choo-uhl] / ˈvɜr tʃu əl /

adjective

1. being as specified in power, force, or effect, though not actually or expressly such.

   One of the VPs was the virtual CEO of the company.

2. Optics.

   1. (of an image, such as one in a mirror) formed by the apparent convergence of rays that are prolonged geometrically, but not actually (real ).

   2. being a focus of a system forming such images.

3. Digital Technology. real, but existing, seen, or happening online or on a digital screen, rather than in person or in the physical world.

   You can take a virtual tour of the museum before your visit.

   How do I become a virtual personal trainer?

   Some students struggle with virtual learning and need the support of a physical classroom.

4. Computers.

   1. (of a computer, data storage device, operating system, etc.) simulated or extended by software, sometimes temporarily, in such a way as to function and appear to the user as a physical entity.

      You can create a virtual disk in RAM, or virtual storage on a hard disk.

   2. relating or belonging to virtual reality.

      The headset and controller allow users to do things like draw images and wave wands in the virtual world.

      Your swing determines the path of the ball and where it lands on the virtual golf course, just as if it were played on a real one.

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virtual British  

/ ˈvɜːtʃʊəl /

adjective

1. having the essence or effect but not the appearance or form of

   a virtual revolution

2. physics being, relating to, or involving a virtual image

   a virtual focus

3. computing of or relating to virtual storage

   virtual memory

4. of or relating to a computer technique by which a person, wearing a headset or mask, has the experience of being in an environment created by the computer, and of interacting with and causing changes in it

5. rare capable of producing an effect through inherent power or virtue

6. physics designating or relating to a particle exchanged between other particles that are interacting by a field of force See also exchange force

   a virtual photon

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Usage

What does virtual mean? Virtual is most generally used to describe something as being the same as something else in almost every way, except perhaps in name or some other minor, technical sense.For example, describing a company as a virtual monopoly means it’s pretty much a monopoly but not technically one, perhaps because it has a few minor competitors.Virtual also commonly means simulated or extended by computer software. The word is used this way in virtual reality, which refers to a fully simulated environment. Some things described as virtual may not be quite as immersive as virtual reality, such as a virtual museum tour that you can navigate on a website.Sometimes, things described as virtual may not involve simulation at all, such as a virtual meeting or a virtual concert. The use of virtual in these phrases represents a more recent sense of the word that means something like “remote and via the internet” (especially when accessed via a live video feed).The adverb form virtually can be used in the same way, as in I can’t make it into the office, but I’ll be working virtually. Virtually is perhaps most commonly used in a more general way to mean in effect though not in fact, as in Today, virtually all cell phones are smartphones. Close synonyms are nearly, practically, and just about—they all mean virtually the same thing.Example: The virtual convention will feature real speeches from virtually every VR expert in the industry.

Other Word Forms

• virtuality noun

Etymology

Origin of virtual

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Medieval Latin virtuālis, from Latin virtu(s) “maleness, worth” ( virtue ) + -ālis -al ¹

Example Sentences

Teens are increasingly using chatbots both at school and at home, but some have spilled some of their darkest thoughts to virtual characters.

From Los Angeles Times

Midi Health, a startup that provides virtual menopause care, is a key player in the new menopause market.

From MarketWatch

It wants to sell chips and computers for self-driving cars and to have developers use its tools, which include virtual worlds that can train AI-enabled cars to drive.

From Barron's

It wants to sell chips and computers for self-driving cars and to have developers use its tools, which include virtual worlds that can train AI-enabled cars to drive.

From Barron's

Japan's Tamagotchi toys were a 1990s playground craze and the virtual pets that demand food and attention are still a hit among retro-loving Gen Z and nostalgic parents.

From Barron's

Related Words

• computer-generated
• computerized
• simulated