application

[ ap-li-key-shuhn ]

noun

1. the act of putting to a special use or purpose:

   the application of common sense to a problem.

   Synonyms: utilization

2. the special use or purpose to which something is put:

   a technology having numerous applications never thought of by its inventors.

3. the quality of being usable for a particular purpose or in a special way; relevance:

   This has no application to the case.

   Synonyms: pertinence, aptitude

4. the act of requesting:

   Her application for assistance was, surprisingly, received favorably by the members of the assembly.

   Synonyms: petition, suit, soliciting, solicitation

5. a formal or written request for employment, admission, funding, authorization, etc.: His first job application led to an interview.

   She submitted applications to three universities.

   His first job application led to an interview.

6. Also called application form. a form to be filled out by an applicant, as for a job or a driver's license:

   Attach a passport photo to your completed application.

7. close attention; persistent effort:

   Application to one's studies is necessary.

   Synonyms: perseverance, persistence, industry, diligence, assiduity

8. an act or instance of spreading on, rubbing in, or bringing into contact: a second application of varnish.

   the application of a compress to a wound;

   a second application of varnish.

9. a salve, ointment, or the like, applied as a soothing or healing agent.
10. Computers. a computer program, such as a word processor, graphics editor, utility, etc., used for a particular type of job or problem:

    The new version 4.0 of their music production application contains several improvements.

    Antiviral and firewall applications are system utilities that protect your computer.

application

/ ˌæplɪˈkeɪʃən /

noun

1. the act of applying to a particular purpose or use
2. relevance or value

   the practical applications of space technology

3. the act of asking for something

   an application for leave

4. a verbal or written request, as for a job, etc

   he filed his application

5. diligent effort or concentration

   a job requiring application

6. something, such as a healing agent or lotion, that is applied, esp to the skin
7. logic maths the process of determining the value of a function for a given argument
8. short for application program applications package

application

/ ăp′lĭ-kā′shən /

1. A computer program with an interface, enabling people to use the computer as a tool to accomplish a specific task. Word processing, spreadsheet, and communications software are all examples of applications.

Other Words From

• in·ter·ap·pli·ca·tion noun
• non·ap·pli·ca·tion noun
• o·ver·ap·pli·ca·tion noun
• pre·ap·pli·ca·tion noun
• re·ap·pli·ca·tion noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of application¹

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English, from Middle French applicacio(u)n, from Latin applicātiōn- (stem of applicātiō ), equivalent to applicāt(us) “applied” (past participle of the verb applicāre apply ) + -iōn- -ion

Synonym Study

See effort.

Example Sentences

Data on UK student visa applications from the first half of this year shows there has been a 16% decline in applications, resulting in a loss of income for some institutions.

From BBC

It has a wide range of applications, including as photocatalysis and pollutant removal.

From Science Daily

"The results of this study pave the way for expanded applications across various fields by dramatically reducing the process temperature of high-performance liquid-phase materials."

From Science Daily

"Aligning the molecules is the key to unlocking the LCEs' full potential and enabling their use in advanced, functional applications," Roach said.

From Science Daily

Understanding the alignment of clay particles is important for many applications.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• appeal
• claim
• demand
• form
• inquiry
• letter
• petition