virtual

[ vur-choo-uhl ]

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.

virtual

/ 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

Other Words From

• vir·tu·al·i·ty [vur-choo-, al, -i-tee], noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of virtual¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of virtual¹

C14: from Medieval Latin virtuālis effective, from Latin virtūs virtue

Example Sentences

At a virtual hearing on Monday, the panel said there was evidence Ms Robinson's contact with the patient, a 34-year-old man, had "caused him distress".

From BBC

The Scottish government said since the pandemic there had been challenges for some returning school so it has invested in a network of virtual head teachers to support vulnerable young people returning.

From BBC

Luckey, a Long Beach native, sold his virtual reality company to Facebook for $3 billion at the age of 21.

From Los Angeles Times

The King is treating his birthday as a working day, visiting a new food hub in south London and conducting a virtual opening ceremony for another, on Merseyside.

From BBC

They explained how a peer-to-peer digital cash system could work to enable people to send virtual coins over the internet, just as easily as sending an email.

From BBC

Related Words

• computer-generated
• computerized
• simulated