virtual
Meanings
- In effect or essence, rather than in fact or reality; also, imitated, simulated.
- For practical purposes, though not technically; almost complete, very near.
- Operating using a computer and/or online rather than physically present.
- Simulated in a computer and/or online.
- Of a class member: capable of being overridden with a different implementation in a subclass.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Pertaining to particles in temporary existence due to the Heisenberg uncertainty principle.
- Of a quantum state: having an intermediate, short-lived, and unobservable nature.
- Having efficacy or power due to some natural qualities.
- Of a plant or other thing: having strong healing powers; virtuous.
- Preceded by the: that which is imitated or simulated rather than existing in fact or reality; (countable) an instance of this.
- That which is simulated in a computer and/or online; virtual reality; (countable) an instance of this; specifically (gambling), a computer simulation of a real-world sport such as horse racing.
- A virtual (adjective sense 3.3) member function of a class.
Pronunciation
Word forms
Etymology
PIE word *wiHrós The adjective is derived from Middle English vertual, virtual [and other forms], from Old French vertüal, vertüelle (modern French virtuel), or from their etymon Medieval Latin virtuālis (“of or pertaining to potency or power; having power to produce an effect, potent; morally virtuous”), from Latin virtūs (“goodness, virtue; manliness, virility”) (from vir (“adult male, man”) (ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *wiHrós (“man”), possibly from *weyh₁- (“to chase, hunt, pursue”)) + -tūs (suffix forming collective or abstract nouns)) + -ālis (suffix forming adjectives of relationship), modelled after virtuōsus (“good, virtuous”). Sense 4 (“pertaining to a theoretical infinitesimal velocity in a mechanical system that does not violate the system’s constraints”) is borrowed from French virtuel, from Middle French virtuel, from Old French vertüal, vertüelle: see above. The noun is derived from the adjective. Cognates * French virtuel * Italian virtuale * Spanish virtual