virtualize

[ vur-choo-uh-lahyz ]

verb (used with object)

, vir·tu·al·ized, vir·tu·al·iz·ing.

1. Computers. to create a simulated or extended version of (a computer, operating system, data storage device, etc.) using software: the resulting device is not itself independent, but functions and presents itself to the user as a single, physical entity:

   A virtualized server can boost processing power and reduce costs.

2. Digital Technology. to store, access, or carry out online or by means of a computer; computerize or digitize:

   Now that they’ve virtualized the filing of tax returns, the IRS is more efficient.

virtualize

/ ˈvɜːtʃʊəˌlaɪz /

verb

1. tr to transform (something) into an artificial computer-generated version of itself which functions as if it were real

Other Words From

• vir·tu·al·i·za·tion [vur-choo-, uh, -lahy-, zey, -sh, uh, n], noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of virtualize¹

First recorded in 1830–40; virtual + -ize

Example Sentences

By fusing virtualized compute and storage resources together with intelligent software on standard server hardware, this approach creates flexible building blocks intended to replace or optimize legacy infrastructure while providing greater agility.

From MIT Technology Review

As concerts and live events return to the physical world stateside, many in the tech industry have wondered whether some of the pandemic-era opportunities around virtualizing these events are lost for the time being.

From TechCrunch

The vintage at play here is Ubuntu, and the port was developed by Corellium, which otherwise virtualizes iOS and other ARM-based OSes to enable easier security testing.

From Ars Technica

Mikitani added that anticipates Rakuten will be able to further decrease its costs by “virtualizing, automating and using AI here and there.”

From Fortune