Etym. virtual (adj.) The meaning “being something in essence or effect, though not actually or in fact” is from mid-15c., probably via sense of “capable of producing a certain effect” (early 15c.). Computer sense of “not physically existing but made to appear by software” is attested from 1959.
Etym. reality (n.) 1540s, “quality of being real,” from French réalité and directly Medieval Latin realitatem (nominative realitas), from Late Latin realis. Meaning “real existence, all that is real” is from 1640s; that of “the real state (of something)” is from 1680s. Sometimes 17c.-18c. also meaning “sincerity.” Reality-based attested from 1960.
Definition
A wide variety of computer-based applications commonly associated with immersive, highly visual, 3D characteristics, that allow the participant to look about and navigate within a seemingly real or physical world. It is generally defined based on the type of technology being used, such as head-mounted displays, stereoscopic capability, input devices, and the number of sensory systems stimulated (Australian Society for Simulation in Healthcare).