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 memory3: of, relating to, or being a hypothetical particle whose existence is inferred from indirect evidence <virtual photons> — compare real 34: 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>

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