vir•tu•alˈvɜr tʃu əl(adj.)

1. being such in force or effect, though not actually or expressly such:

   reduced to virtual poverty.

2. noting an optical image formed by the apparent convergence of rays geometrically, but not actually, prolonged, as the image formed by a mirror noting a focus of a system forming virtual images.

   Category: Optics

   Ref: (opposed to real 1 10 ).

3. temporarily simulated or extended by computer software: of, existing on, or by means of computers:

   virtual memory on a hard disk.

   virtual discussions on the Internet.

   Category: Computers

Origin of virtual:

1350–1400; ME < ML virtuālis= L virtu(s)virtue+-ālis -al1

vir`tu•al′i•ty(n.)