virtuaalsed

Virtuaalsed is the plural nominative form of virtuaalne, an Estonian adjective meaning virtual. It describes things that exist in effect or representation rather than in physical form, typically in digital, simulated, or online contexts. The form is used to modify plural nouns, for example virtuaalsed masinad (virtual machines), virtuaalsed keskkonnad (virtual environments), or virtuaalsed teenused (virtual services).

In information technology and related fields, virtuaalsed is a common descriptor for concepts such as virtualization, cloud services, simulations, and online platforms. It is also used in gaming, education, and media to denote non-physical or computer-generated equivalents, such as virtuaalsed maailmad (virtual worlds) or virtuaalne reaalsus (virtual reality) when discussed in plural or collective terms. The word helps distinguish digital or simulated alternatives from tangible, physical counterparts.

Etymology and usage notes: virtuaalne is a loanword from English virtual, adapted into Estonian. The plural form virtuaalsed follows the standard Estonian adjective declension rules. The term has become established in modern IT vocabulary and is widely understood in everyday technology journalism and discourse.

Distinctions: virtuaalne does not inherently mean false or imaginary; it indicates non-physical presence or computer-generated representation. The term is commonly contrasted with reaalsed (real) in discussions of simulations, online services, digital environments, and virtualization technologies.

See also: virtuaalne reaalsus, virtuaalmasin, virtuaalne võrk, virtuaaliseerimine, cloud computing.