noun

virtual machine

VUR-choo-uhl muh-SHEEN

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Virtual machine (noun) means a complete computer created in software rather than hardware, running inside a real computer with its own operating system, memory and storage, and behaving as though it were a separate machine. Example: “She tests the installer on a virtual machine so her own laptop stays untouched.”

noun

A complete computer created in software rather than hardware, running inside a real computer with its own operating system, memory and storage, and behaving as though it were a separate machine.

"She tests the installer on a virtual machine so her own laptop stays untouched."

"One physical server can host a dozen virtual machines."

computing A program that runs code written for an imaginary computer, so that the same code can work unchanged on many different real machines.

"The language compiles to instructions for a virtual machine rather than to instructions for any particular processor."

How to use virtual machine

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA computer that exists as software inside another computer.

When to use it

Technical; almost always abbreviated to VM in conversation among people who work with them.

Memory tip

The plural is virtual machines; the abbreviation VM is said as two letters, vee-em.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

container → emulator → hypervisor simulator →

Common pairings

spin up a virtual machine virtual machine image host a virtual machine Java virtual machine

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “virtual machine” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

She tests the installer on a _____ so her own laptop stays untouched.

Etymology

A compound of virtual, in the sense of existing in effect though not in physical form, and machine.

Origin: English

Synonyms

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VM guest machine virtualised computer instance runtime interpreter

Antonyms

physical machine bare metal

Related words

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Rhymes for virtual machine

nine mine wine line sine dine fine vine pine tine thine shine

See all rhymes for virtual machine →

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a virtual machine and a container?

A virtual machine carries a full operating system of its own and behaves like a separate computer, which makes it heavier to start and larger to store. A container shares the operating system of the host and packages only the application and the files it depends on, so it is lighter but less isolated.

Why would you run a virtual machine?

Common reasons are running software built for a different operating system, keeping risky or experimental work away from the main system, and dividing one large server into several independent ones that can be created and destroyed easily.

Does a virtual machine slow the computer down?

It uses a share of the host computer's processor, memory and storage while it is running, so the host has less available. Modern processors include features that reduce the overhead considerably, but the resources are still divided between host and guest.

What is the meaning of virtual machine?

"virtual machine" (noun) means a complete computer created in software rather than hardware, running inside a real computer with its own operating system, memory and storage, and behaving as though it were a separate machine.

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