virtual

English

Alternative forms

Etymology

From Medieval Latin virtuālis, from virtus (“virtue”).

Pronunciation

Adjective

virtual (not comparable)

  1. In effect or essence, if not in fact or reality; 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 applications to believe that there is much more physical memory than actually exists.
    • Fleming
      A thing has a virtual existence when it has all the conditions necessary to its actual existence.
    • De Quincey
      to mask by slight differences in the manners a virtual identity in the substance
  2. Having the power of acting or of invisible efficacy without the agency of the material or measurable part; potential.
    • Francis Bacon
      Heat and cold have a virtual transition, without communication of substance.
    • Milton
      Every kind that lives, / Fomented by his virtual power, and warmed.
  3. Nearly, almost. (A relatively recent corruption of meaning, attributed to misuse in advertising and media.)
    The angry peasants were a virtual army as they attacked the castle.
    • 2012, Chelsea 6-0 Wolves
      The Chelsea captain was a virtual spectator as he was treated to his side's biggest win for almost two years as Stamford Bridge serenaded him with chants of "there's only one England captain," some 48 hours after he announced his retirement from international football.
  4. Simulated in a computer or online.
    The virtual world of his computer game allowed character interaction.
  5. Operating by computer or in cyberspace; not physically present.
    a virtual assistant; a virtual personal trainer
  6. (computing, object-oriented programming, of a class member) Capable of being overridden with a different implementation in a subclass.
  7. (physics) Pertaining to particles in temporary existence due to the Heisenberg uncertainty principle.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Derived terms

Translations

Noun

virtual (plural virtuals)

  1. (computing, programming) A virtual member function of a class.

Catalan

Adjective

virtual (masculine and feminine plural virtuals)

  1. virtual

Portuguese

Adjective

virtual m, f (plural virtuais, comparable)

  1. virtual (in effect or essence, not in fact or reality)
  2. virtual (simulated in a computer)

Spanish

Adjective

virtual (plural virtuales)

  1. virtual
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