virtual

Meanings

1. 1
   adj

   In effect or essence, rather than in fact or reality; also, imitated, simulated.

   In fact a defeat on the battlefield, Tet was a virtual victory for the North, owing to its effect on public opinion.

2. 2
   adj

   For practical purposes, though not technically; almost complete, very near.

   The angry peasants were a virtual army as they attacked the castle.

3. 3
   adj

   Operating using a computer and/or online rather than physically present.

   a virtual assistant    a virtual personal trainer

4. 4
   adj

   Simulated in a computer and/or online.

   virtual machine    virtual memory    virtual private network

5. 5
   adj

   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.

   virtual displacement    virtual work

6. 6
   adj

   Having efficacy or power due to some natural qualities.

   [H]is ſenſes flame / Flovv'd from his parts, vvith force ſo virtuall, / It fir'd vvith ſence things meere inſenſuall.

7. 7
   adj

   Having the power of acting without the agency of some material or measurable thing; possessing invisible efficacy.

   VVater, being contiguous vvith Aire, Cooleth it, but Moiſteneth it not, except it Vapour. The Cauſe is, for that Heat, and Cold haue a Virtuall Tranſition, vvithout Communication of Subſtance; but Moiſture not: […]

8. 8
   adj

   Producing, or able to produce, some result; effective, efficacious.

   For Dr. [John] Dee, in his Mathematical Preface to Euclids Elements of Geometrie, hath vvorthily taken pains to make Architecture a Mathematical Science; and as a vertual Proof of his ovvn Learned Plea, quotes tvvo Authentique Authors, viz. Vitruvius and Leo Baptiſta [i.e., Leon Battista Alberti], […]

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 relati…