What (who) is virtual - definition
WIKIMEDIA DISAMBIGUATION PAGE
Virtual (disambiguation)
virtual
['v?:tj??l]
¦ adjective
1. almost or nearly as described, but not completely or according to strict definition.
2. Computing not physically existing as such but made by software to appear to do so.
3. Optics relating to the points at which rays would meet if produced backwards.
4. Mechanics relating to or denoting infinitesimal displacements of a point in a system.
Derivatives
virtuality -j?'al?ti noun
Origin
ME (also in the sense 'possessing certain virtues'): from med. L. virtualis, from L. virtus 'virtue'.
virtual
1.
You can use virtual to indicate that something is so nearly true that for most purposes it can be regarded as true.
Argentina came to a virtual standstill while the game was being played...
...conditions of virtual slavery.
ADJ: ADJ n
2.
Virtual objects and activities are generated by a computer to simulate real objects and activities. (COMPUTING)
This is a virtual shopping centre offering visitors entry to a clutch of well-known e-tailers without going to their different websites.
ADJ: ADJ n
• virtuality
People speculate about virtuality systems, but we're already working on it.
N-UNCOUNT
virtual
<jargon, architecture> (Via the technical term {virtual
memory}, probably from the term "virtual image" in optics)
1. Common alternative to logical; often used to refer to the
artificial objects (like addressable virtual memory larger
than physical memory) created by a computer system to help the
system control access to shared resources.
2. Simulated; performing the functions of something that isn't
really there. An imaginative child's doll may be a virtual
playmate.
Opposite of real or physical.
[Jargon File ]
(1994-11-30)
Wikipedia
Virtual
Virtual may refer to:
- Virtual (horse), a thoroughbred racehorse
- Virtual channel, a channel designation which differs from that of the actual radio channel (or range of frequencies) on which the signal travels
- Virtual function, a programming function or method whose behaviour can be overridden within an inheriting class by a function with the same signature
- Virtual machine, the virtualization of a computer system
- Virtual meeting, or web conferencing
- Virtual memory, a memory management technique that abstracts the memory address space in a computer
- Virtual particle, a type of short-lived particle of indeterminate mass
- Virtual reality (virtuality), computer programs with an interface that gives the user the impression that they are physically inside a simulated space
- Virtual world, a computer-based simulated environment populated by many users who can create a personal avatar, and simultaneously and independently explore the world, participate in its activities and communicate with others
- Virtual, a 2001 album by Romanian band Animal X
- Virtual, a former Blizzard Entertainment online streamer known for interviewing Ng Wai Chung during the Blitzchung Controversy
- Exit pupil, a virtual aperture in an optical system
Pronunciation examples for virtual
1. virtual territory, virtual surface area
Throwing Rocks at the Google Bus _ Douglas Rushkoff _ Talks at Google
2. ownership of virtual goods, virtual characters, virtual money.
Fun Inc - Tom Chatfield - Why Games are the 21st Century's Most Serious Business _ Talks at Google
3. into virtual experiences, like virtual cooking
Pride Q&A - Queer and Asian _ Chef Melissa King _ Talks at Google
4. virtual interaction.
Livewired - The Inside Story of the Ever-Changing Brain _ David Eagleman _ Talks at Google
5. to virtual.
Body Language in Business _ Kerstin O'Shields _ Talks at Google
Examples of use of virtual
1. New technologies enable companies to drop live adverts into games straight from the internet: on virtual billboards, virtual T–shirts or virtual racing cars.
2. "These guys are sophisticated in their use of what we call the virtual safe haven, the virtual sanctuary," he said.
3. "We can use virtual–reality therapy, typing smells in to create a virtual environment," that resembles a battlefield, said Col.
4. And there are virtual power grids, oil and gas lines, water pipelines, airplane and train systems, even a virtual Internet.
5. They continued their virtual siege Wednesday night.