virtual

Etymology

Definitions

1. 1

   In effect or essence, rather than in fact or reality

   In effect or essence, rather than in fact or reality; also, imitated, simulated.

   • In fact a defeat on the battlefield, Tet was a virtual victory for the North, owing to its effect on public opinion.
   • Virtual addressing allows computer applications to believe that there is much more physical memory than actually exists.
2. 2

   For practical purposes, though not technically

   For practical purposes, though not technically; almost complete, very near.

   • The angry peasants were a virtual army as they attacked the castle.
3. 3

   Operating using a computer and/or online rather than physically present.

   • a virtual assistant    a virtual personal trainer
4. ›+ 13 more definitionsshow fewer

   1. 4

      Simulated in a computer and/or online.

      • virtual machine    virtual memory    virtual private network
      • The virtual world of his computer game allowed character interaction.
   2. 5

      Of a class member

      Of a class member: capable of being overridden with a different implementation in a subclass.

   3. 6

      Pertaining to a theoretical infinitesimal velocity in a mechanical system that does not…

      Pertaining to a theoretical infinitesimal velocity in a mechanical system that does not violate the system's constraints; also, of other physical quantities: resulting from such a velocity.

      • virtual displacement    virtual work
   4. 7

      Pertaining to a theoretical quality of something which would produce an observable effect…

      Pertaining to a theoretical quality of something which would produce an observable effect if counteracting factors such as friction are disregarded; specifically, of a head of water: producing a certain pressure if friction, etc., is disregarded.

   5. 8

      Chiefly in virtual focus

      Chiefly in virtual focus: of a focus or point: from which light or other radiation apparently emanates; also, of an image: produced by light that appears to diverge from a point beyond the reflecting or refracting surface.

   6. 9

      Pertaining to particles in temporary existence due to the Heisenberg uncertainty…

      Pertaining to particles in temporary existence due to the Heisenberg uncertainty principle.

   7. 10

      Of a quantum state

      Of a quantum state: having an intermediate, short-lived, and unobservable nature.

   8. 11

      Having efficacy or power due to some natural qualities.

      • [H]is ſenſes flame / Flovv'd from his parts, vvith force ſo virtuall, / It fir'd vvith ſence things meere inſenſuall.
      • [H]is [God's] Omnipreſence fills / Land, Sea, and Aire, and every kinde that lives, / Fomented by his virtual power and warmd: […]
   9. 12

      Having the power of acting without the agency of some material or measurable thing

      Having the power of acting without the agency of some material or measurable thing; possessing invisible efficacy.

      • VVater, being contiguous vvith Aire, Cooleth it, but Moiſteneth it not, except it Vapour. The Cauſe is, for that Heat, and Cold haue a Virtuall Tranſition, vvithout Communication of Subſtance; but Moiſture not: […]
   10. 13

       Producing, or able to produce, some result

       Producing, or able to produce, some result; effective, efficacious.

   11. 14

       Synonym of virtuous (“full of virtue

       Synonym of virtuous (“full of virtue; having excellent moral character”).

       • The moſt in ſoule deiected; the moſt baſe, / And moſt vnſeruiceable weede, vnles / You by your heauenly Influence change his vilenes / Into a vertuall habit fit for vſe.
       • Her the grim conqueror's iron might / Avengeing clutched, distrusting rent; / […] / Not virtual France, the France benevolent, / The chivalrous, the many-stringed, sublime / At intervals, and oft in sweetest chime; […]
   12. 15

       Preceded by the

       Preceded by the: that which is imitated or simulated rather than existing in fact or reality; (countable) an instance of this.

   13. 16

       A virtual (adjective sense 3.3) member function of a class.

The neighborhood

• synonymcyberreal