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

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virtual reality British  

noun

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

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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.

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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.)

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Etymology

Origin of virtual reality

First recorded in 1980–85

Example Sentences

Virtual reality systems that allow astronauts to take breaks in other realistic-seeming environments could reduce the mental load of space travel.

From Slate • Mar. 1, 2026

Virtual reality is inherently interesting and attention-grabbing, and it has a low cognitive barrier to entry -- even small children with limited reading ability can use it, according to Sundar.

From Science Daily • Mar. 18, 2024

Virtual reality is a relatively new field and its risks are still emerging.

From New York Times • Jun. 16, 2023

Virtual reality is already widespread in entertainment and is starting to spread to fields ranging from education to health care.

From Scientific American • May 9, 2023

Virtual reality practical experiences take full advantage of these and other clinical observations.

From The Civilization of Illiteracy by Nadin, Mihai