in practice vs virtual

in practice

prep
  • really, in effect. Not hypothetically. 

virtual

noun
  • A computer simulation of a real-world sport such as horse racing. 

  • A virtual member function of a class. 

adj
  • Having the power of acting or of invisible efficacy without the agency of the material or measurable part; potential. 

  • Nearly, almost. (A relatively recent development in meaning) 

  • Pertaining to particles in temporary existence due to the Heisenberg uncertainty principle. 

  • Simulated in a computer or online. 

  • In effect or essence, if not in fact or reality; imitated, simulated. 

  • Operating by computer or in cyberspace; not physically present. 

  • Capable of being overridden with a different implementation in a subclass. 

How often have the words in practice and virtual occurred in a corpus of books? (source: Google Ngram Viewer )