n.
Pronunciation: ' v ə r-ch ə -w ə l, -ch ə l; ' v ə rch-w ə l
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle English, efficacious, potential, from Medieval Latin virtualis, from Latin virtus strength, virtue
Date: 15th century
1 : being such in essence or effect though not formally recognized or admitted <a virtual dictator>
2 : of, relating to, or using virtual memory
3 : of, relating to, or being a hypothetical particle whose existence is inferred from indirect evidence < virtual photons> ― compare REAL 3
4 : being on or simulated on a computer or computer network <print or virtual books> <a virtual keyboard>: as a : occurring or existing primarily online <a virtual library> < virtual shopping> b : of, relating to, or existing within a virtual reality <a virtual world> <a virtual tour>