Physics. [a. G. virial (Clausius), f. L. vīr-, pl. stem of vīs force, strength.] In Clausius’ kinetic theorem of gases: (see quots.).
1870. trans. Clausius, in Lond., etc., Philos. Mag., Aug., 123. We will therefore give to the mean value which this magnitude has during the stationary motion of the system the name of Virial of the system.
1875. Encycl. Brit., III. 39. When an attraction or repulsion exists between two points, half the product of this stress into the distance between the two points is called the virial of the stress.
