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virtual |ˈvər ch oōəl|adjectivealmost or nearly as described, but not completely or according to strict definition : the virtual absence of border controls.• Computing not physically existing as such but made by software to appear to do so : a virtual computer. See also virtual reality .• Optics relating to the points at which rays would meet if produced backward.• Physics denoting particles or interactions with extremely short lifetimes and (owing to the uncertainty principle) indefinitely great energies, postulated as intermediates in some processes.DERIVATIVESvirtuality |ˌvər ch oōˈalitē| |ˈvərtʃəˈwølədi| |-jʊˈalɪti| nounORIGIN late Middle English (also in the sense possessing certain virtues ): from medieval Latin virtualis, from Latin virtus ‘virtue,’ suggested by late Latin virtuosus
para- 1 (also par-)prefix1 beside; adjacent to : parameter | parataxis | parathyroid.• Medicine denoting a disordered function or faculty: : paresthesia.• distinct from, but analogous to : paramilitary | paraphrase | paratyphoid.• beyond : paradox | paranormal | parapsychology.• subsidiary; assisting : paramedic | paraprofessional.2 Chemistry denoting substitution at diametrically opposite carbon atoms in a benzene ring, e.g., in 1, 4 positions : paradichlorobenzene. Compare with meta- and ortho- .ORIGIN from Greek para ‘beside’ ; in combinations often meaning ‘amiss, irregular’ and denoting alteration or modification.para- 2 |ˈparə|combining formdenoting something that protects or wards off : parachute | parasol.ORIGIN from French, from the Italian imperative singular of parare ‘defend, shield’ (originally meaning ‘prepare,’ from Latin parare).

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