emulation

noun

em·​u·​la·​tion ˌem-yə-ˈlā-shən 

-yü-

1

: ambition or endeavor to equal or excel others (as in achievement)

2

a

: imitation

b

: the use of or technique of using an emulator

3

obsolete : ambitious or envious rivalry

emulative

ˈem-yə-ˌlā-tiv 

adjective

emulatively adverb

Examples of emulation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

These are filters, not unlike the Fujifilm X100 camera’s popular digital film emulations, that tint and modulate the photos in real time, making the camera much better for skin tones and also for landscapes, which the iPhone’s default settings often wash out. —Kyle Chayka, The New Yorker, 25 Sep. 2024

The Classic Edition consoles were miniature replicas of the NES and SNES that played a collection of retro games from each original system through software emulation. —Andrew Liszewski, The Verge, 24 Sep. 2024

Parking Garage Rally Circuit kicks off with nostalgia immediately, giving you four visual options: graphics based on 90s consoles, PC ports, and emulation. —Matt Gardner, Forbes, 20 Sep. 2024

Further Reading Count on old-school fun with these new calculator emulations ChromaLock began by exploring the calculator's link port, typically used for transferring educational programs between devices. —Benj Edwards, Ars Technica, 20 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin aemulātiōn-, aemulātiō, from aemulārī "to vie with, rival, imitate" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action — more at emulate entry 1

First Known Use

1542, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Kids Definition

emulation

noun

em·​u·​la·​tion ˌem-yə-ˈlā-shən 

: the ambition or effort to emulate

emulative

ˈem-yə-ˌlāt-iv 

adjective