Vi'rtual. adj. [virtuel, Fr. from virtue.] Having the efficacy without the sensible or material part.

Metalline waters have virtual cold in them. Put therefore wood into smith's water, and try whether it will not harden. Bacon.

Heat and cold have a virtual transition, without communication of substance. Bacon.

Love not the heav'nly spirits? And how their love
Express they? by looks only? or, do they mix
Irradiance? virtual, or immediate touch? Milton.

            Every kind that lives,
Fomented by his virtual pow'r, and warm'd. Milton.

Neither an actual or virtual intention of the mind, but only that which may be gathered from the outward acts. Stillingfleet.