ˈvə:tjuəl adj. 1
that is
such for practical purposes
though not in
name or
according to
strict definition (is
the virtual
manager of the
business;
take this as a virtual promise). 2
Optics relating to the points at
which rays
would meet if produced
backwards (virtual
focus; virtual image). 3 Mech. relating to an
infinitesimal displacement of a
point in a
system. 4 Computing not physically existing as such but
made by
software to
appear to do so (virtual memory). øøvirtuality n. virtually adv. [ME f. med.L virtualis f. L virtus
after LL virtuosus]