Word
virtualization
Definition
n. the process of making one physical computer act like several different ones at the same time.
n. the creation of a virtual version of hardware, operating systems, or storage, allowing multiple instances to run on a single physical host.
Examples
“Server virtualization helps companies save money on hardware.”
“By using virtualization, the IT department was able to run three different operating systems on the same physical server simultaneously.”
“The widespread adoption of cloud computing is largely dependent on virtualization, which allows providers to dynamically allocate resources to different clients without needing dedicated physical machines for each.”
Examples
simple
“Server virtualization helps companies save money on hardware.”
contextual
“By using virtualization, the IT department was able to run three different operating systems on the same physical server simultaneously.”
complex
“The widespread adoption of cloud computing is largely dependent on virtualization, which allows providers to dynamically allocate resources to different clients without needing dedicated physical machines for each.”
Usage
Often used as an uncountable noun when referring to the technology or field in general.
Etymology
Derived from the adjective virtual, which traces to the Late Latin virtualis, combined with the suffix -ization to denote a process of conversion. The technical application emerged in the 1960s to describe the abstraction of computer hardware resources.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.