virtual

[ vur-choo-uh l ]
/ ˈvɜr tʃu əl /
SEE SYNONYMS FOR virtual ON THESAURUS.COM

adjective

being such in power, force, or effect, though not actually or expressly such: a virtual dependence on charity.
Optics.
  1. noting an image formed by the apparent convergence of rays geometrically, but not actually, prolonged, as the image formed by a mirror (opposed to real).
  2. noting a focus of a system forming virtual images.
temporarily simulated or extended by computer software: a virtual disk in RAM; virtual memory on a hard disk.

Origin of virtual

1350–1400; Middle English < Medieval Latin virtuālis, equivalent to Latin virtu(s) virtue + -ālis -al1

OTHER WORDS FROM virtual

vir·tu·al·i·ty, noun

Words nearby virtual

virology, viron, virosis, virtanen, virtu, virtual, virtual assistant, virtual cautery, virtual human, virtual image, virtual machine

Words related to virtuality

apotheosis, matter, meat, strength, effect, amount, stuff, significance, subject, heart, ground, core, substance, nature, root, basis, character, soul, element, crux

Example sentences from the Web for virtuality

  • In virtuality, the sequentiality of written language is overwritten by the very configurational nature of the context.

    The Civilization of Illiteracy |Mihai Nadin

  • Virtuality is actually the generic reality of all and any design practical experience.

    The Civilization of Illiteracy |Mihai Nadin

  • Nature is the virtuality of mind, the soul the fruit of life, and liberty the flower of necessity.

    Amiel's Journal |Henri-Frdric Amiel

  • From among the very many designs in a state of virtuality, only a small number will become real.

    The Civilization of Illiteracy |Mihai Nadin

British Dictionary definitions for virtuality (1 of 2)

virtuality
/ (ˌvɜːtʃʊˈælɪtɪ) /

noun

virtual reality

British Dictionary definitions for virtuality (2 of 2)

virtual
/ (ˈvɜːtʃʊəl) /

adjective

having the essence or effect but not the appearance or form of a virtual revolution
physics being, relating to, or involving a virtual image a virtual focus
computing of or relating to virtual storage virtual memory
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
rare capable of producing an effect through inherent power or virtue
physics designating or relating to a particle exchanged between other particles that are interacting by a field of force a virtual photon See also exchange force

Word Origin for virtual

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