virtual

adj 1: being actually such in almost every respect; "a practical

failure"; "the once elegant temple lay in virtual

ruin" [syn: {virtual(a)}, {practical(a)}]

2: being such in essence or effect though not in actual fact;

"a virtual dependence on charity"; "a virtual revolution";

"virtual reality" [syn: {virtual(a)}]

virtual

(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)