virtual

1. adjective /ˈvɜːtʃuəl,ˈvɝtʃuəl/

a) In effect or essence, if not in fact or reality; imitated, simulated.

In fact a defeat on the battlefield, Tet was a virtual victory for the North, owing to its effect on public opinion.

b) Nearly, almost. (A relatively recent corruption of meaning, attributed to misuse in advertising and media.)

Virtual addressing allows applications to believe that there is much more physical memory than actually exists.

Syn: de facto

Ant: de jure, legal, real

2. noun /ˈvɜːtʃuəl,ˈvɝtʃuəl/

In C++, a virtual member function of a class.