From some points of view; SYN. in some respects.
ETYM Cf. French virtuel. Related to Virtue.
1. Being actually such in almost every respect; SYN. practical.
2. Being such in essence or effect though not in actual fact.
In computing, without physical existence. Some computers have virtual memory, making their immediate-access memory seem larger than it is; some computers can also simulate virtual devices. For example, the Acorn A3000 and A5000 computers have only one floppy-disc drive but can behave as if they were equipped with two, using part of the RAM to simulate the second drive. Virtual reality is a computer simulation of a whole physical environment.