virtual

virtual vir‧tu‧al [ˈvɜːtʆuəl ǁ ˈvɜːr-] adjective [only before a noun]

1. a virtual monopoly, ban, takeover etc is so nearly a complete monopoly, ban etc that any difference is unimportant:

• They enjoy a virtual monopoly in sales of pickup trucks.

• Trading activity reached a virtual standstill.

2. virtual office/​library/​classroom etc COMPUTING computer software that gives you the experience of being in a place, or allows you to do the things that you would do in a real office, library etc:

• In a virtual library, people can explore information resources from their desks.

3. virtual document/​companion etc COMPUTING a document etc that exists on a computer rather than in physical form:

• Buying an air ticket involves the creation of several virtual documents.

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virtual UK US /ˈvɜːtʃuəl/ adjective

► [before noun] almost complete: »

Falling orders led to the virtual ruin of her company.

»

It is important to ensure that mergers of these companies do not result in a virtual monopoly in the industry.

► INTERNET, IT used to describe something that can be done or seen using computers or the internet instead of going to a place, meeting people in person, etc.: »

The country's first virtual business school is up and running.

»

Click here to take a virtual tour of homes we have for sale.