Main Entry: vir·tu·al

Pronunciation: \ˈvər-chə-wəl, -chəl; ˈvərch-wəl\

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>