Virtual circuit

Definition
A virtual circuit is

"[l]iterally, a communications link that appears to be a direct connection between sender and receiver, although physically (as on a packet-switching network) the link can involve routing through more circuitous paths. A virtual circuit is conceptual rather than physical, The virtual circuit connects caller A with receiver B, but the physical circuit through which they actually communicate can run from A through stations D, E, and F before reaching B."