virtual reality

American  

[vur-choo-uhl ree-al-i-tee] / ˈvɜr tʃu əl riˈæl ɪ ti /

noun

Digital Technology.

1. a realistic and immersive computer simulation of a three-dimensional environment, created using interactive software and hardware, and experienced or controlled by movement of the body. VR

---

virtual reality British  

noun

1.  VR.  a computer-generated environment that, to the person experiencing it, closely resembles reality See also virtual

---

virtual reality Scientific  

1. A computer simulation of a real or imaginary world or scenario, in which a user may interact with simulated objects or living things in real time. More sophisticated virtual reality systems place sensors on the user's body to sense movements that are then interpreted by the system as movements in the simulated world; binocular goggles are sometimes used to simulate the appearance of objects in three dimensions.

---

virtual reality Cultural  

1. The creation of images and tactile sensations by means of a computer, producing the illusion of reality. Images are often projected onto special goggles to strengthen the illusion. (See cyberspace.)

---

Etymology

Origin of virtual reality

First recorded in 1980–85

Example Sentences

Using a virtual reality behavioral system in mice, scientists identified regulatory factors that help move memories into increasingly stable states or allow them to fade entirely.

From Science Daily

Misra studied architecture in India and urban planning at Columbia before earning a master’s in virtual reality in London, where she now lives part time.

From Seattle Times

Meta, Facebook’s parent company, has plowed billions of dollars into trying to build a virtual reality business.

From New York Times

The Cardiff University team explains how virtual reality could help with "debilitating" visual vertigo.

From BBC

And combined with virtual reality technology, it could also allow travel companies to give customers a preview “visit” of a destination using a virtual reality headset, without leaving home.

From New York Times