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Word of the day/2023/July 24
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Word of the day
for
July 24
virtual
adj
In
effect
or
essence
, rather than in
fact
or
reality
; also,
imitated
,
simulated
.
For
practical
purposes
, though not
technically
;
almost
complete
,
very
near
.
(
computing
)
Operating
using
a
computer
and/or
online
rather than
physically
present
.
Simulated in a computer and/or online.
(
object-oriented programming
)
Of a
class
member
:
capable
of being
overridden
with a
different
implementation
in a
subclass
.
(
mechanics
)
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.
(
physics
)
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.
(
optics
)
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
.
(
particle physics
)
Pertaining to
particles
in
temporary
existence
due to the
Heisenberg uncertainty principle
.
(
quantum mechanics
)
Of a
quantum state
:
having
an
intermediate
,
short-lived
, and
unobservable
nature
.
(
obsolete
)
Having
efficacy
or
power
due to some
natural
qualities
.
(
specifically
,
also
figuratively
)
Of a
plant
or other
thing
: having
strong
healing
powers;
virtuous
.
Having the power of
acting
without the
agency
of some
material
or
measurable
thing;
possessing
invisible
efficacy.
Producing
, or
able
to produce, some
result
;
effective
,
efficacious
.
Synonym of
virtuous
(
“
full
of
virtue
; having
excellent
moral
character
”
)
virtual
n
(
uncountable
)
Preceded by
the
: that which is
imitated
or
simulated
rather than
existing
in
fact
or
reality
;
(
countable
)
an
instance
of this.
(
uncountable
)
That which is
simulated
in a
computer
and/or
online
;
virtual reality
;
(
countable
)
an instance of this; specifically
(
gambling
)
, a
computer simulation
of a
real-world
sport
such as
horse racing
.
(
countable
,
programming
)
A
virtual
(adjective sense 3.3)
member function
of a
class
.
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