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General

Dictionary

virtual world : computer-based simulated environment intended for its users to inhabit and interact via avatars (primarily software) — Webster See also Oxford, OneLook, Free Dictionary, Wiktionary, InfoPlease, Word Reference

Encyclopedia

Virtual world is an online community that takes the form of a computer-based simulated environment through which users can interact with one another and use and create objects. The term has become largely synonymous with interactive 3D virtual environments, where the users take the form of avatars visible to others. In general, virtual worlds allow for multiple users. The computer accesses a computer-simulated world and presents perceptual stimuli to the user, who in turn can manipulate elements of the modeled world and thus experience a degree of telepresence. Such modeled worlds and their rules may draw from the reality or fantasy worlds. Example rules are gravity, topography, locomotion, real-time actions, and communication. Communication between users can range from text, graphical icons, visual gesture, sound, and rarely, forms using touch, voice command, and balance senses. — Wikipedia

Britannica, Columbia (Infoplease)