virtual

Where “virtual” sits in English frequency

Definition

1. 1
   In effect or essence, rather than in fact or reality; also, imitated, simulated.
2. 2
   For practical purposes, though not technically; almost complete, very near.
3. 3
   Operating using a computer and/or online rather than physically present.
4. 4
   Simulated in a computer and/or online.
5. 5
   Of a class member: capable of being overridden with a different implementation in a subclass.
6. 6
   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.
7. 7
   Pertaining to a theoretical quality of something which would produce an observable effect if counteracting factors such as friction are disregarded; specifically, of a head of water: producing a certain pressure if friction, etc., is disregarded.
8. 8
   Chiefly in virtual focus: of a focus or point: from which light or other radiation apparently emanates; also, of an image: produced by light that appears to diverge from a point beyond the reflecting or refracting surface.
9. 9
   Pertaining to particles in temporary existence due to the Heisenberg uncertainty principle.
10. 10
    Of a quantum state: having an intermediate, short-lived, and unobservable nature.
11. 11
    Having efficacy or power due to some natural qualities.
12. 12
    Having efficacy or power due to some natural qualities.
13. 13
    Having the power of acting without the agency of some material or measurable thing; possessing invisible efficacy.
14. 14
    Producing, or able to produce, some result; effective, efficacious.
15. 15
    Synonym of virtuous (“full of virtue; having excellent moral character”).

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 relationship), modelled after virtuōsus (“good, virtuous”). Adjective sense 4 (“pertaining to a theoretical infinitesimal velocity in a mechanical system that does not violate the system’s constraints”) is borrowed from French virtuel, from Middle French virtuel, from Old French vertüal, vertüelle: see above. The noun is derived from the adjective. Cognates * French virtuel * Italian virtuale * Spanish virtual

This word in other languages

Common misspellings

Also misspelled as: ivrtual,virrtual,virtaul,virttual,virtuall,virtula,virutal,vitrual,vritual,vvirtual

Misspelling Pattern Breakdown

How far each generated variant is from the correct spelling of virtual - counted as single-character edits (an insertion, a deletion, or a substituted letter). The larger the bar, the easier the typo is to spot; one-edit slips are the ones that sneak past readers.

Frequently Asked Questions