application

[ap-li-key-shuhn]

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR application ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

the act of putting to a special use or purpose: the application of common sense to a problem.

the special use or purpose to which something is put: a technology having numerous applications never thought of by its inventors.

the quality of being usable for a particular purpose or in a special way; relevance: This has no application to the case.

the act of requesting.

a written or spoken request or appeal for employment, admission, help, funds, etc.: to file an application for admission to a university.

a form to be filled out by an applicant, as for a job or a driver's license.

close attention; persistent effort: Application to one's studies is necessary.

an act or instance of spreading on, rubbing in, or bringing into contact: the application of a compress to a wound; a second application of varnish.

a salve, ointment, or the like, applied as a soothing or healing agent.

Computers.

a type of job or problem that lends itself to processing or solution by computer: Inventory control is a common business application.
Also called application software, application program.a computer program used for a particular type of job or problem: Your new computer comes preloaded with applications.

Origin of application

1375–1425; late Middle English applicacio(u)n (< Middle French) < Latin applicātiōn- (stem of applicātiō), equivalent to applicāt(us) applied (past participle of applicāre to apply) + -iōn- -ion

Related formsin·ter·ap·pli·ca·tion, nounnon·ap·pli·ca·tion, nouno·ver·ap·pli·ca·tion, nounpre·ap·pli·ca·tion, nounre·ap·pli·ca·tion, noun

Synonyms for application

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR application ON THESAURUS.COM

1. utilization. 3. aptitude, suitability, pertinence. 4. solicitation, petition. 7. assiduity, industry, persistence, perseverance. See effort.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Related Words for application

function, operation, utilization, claim, form, inquiry, letter, demand, appeal, petition, study, effort, industry, treatment, pertinence, play, usance, practice, appliance, value

Examples from the Web for application

Contemporary Examples of application

“Defendant moved his hands in a manner so as to avoid the application of handcuffs to his wrists,” the complaint says.
Protesters Slimed This Good Samaritan Cop
Michael Daly
December 16, 2014
My parents were thrilled with my choice, even though I had never even paid the campus a visit during the application process.
I Was Gang Raped at a UVA Frat 30 Years Ago, and No One Did Anything
Liz Seccuro
December 16, 2014
CORRECTION: An earlier version of this story stated that ISIS has been known to use the application FireChat.
ISIS Keeps Getting Better at Dodging U.S. Spies
Shane Harris, Noah Shachtman
November 14, 2014
While that application has been used in Iraq, ISIS has not been confirmed to have used it.
ISIS Keeps Getting Better at Dodging U.S. Spies
Shane Harris, Noah Shachtman
November 14, 2014
Her husband was supportive and even took the photos to submit with her application.
From Baltimore Ravens Cheerleader to Mrs. Robinson
Brandy Zadrozny
November 6, 2014

Historical Examples of application

How so, I asked him, when that cannot wound without the application?
Clarissa, Volume 1 (of 9)
Samuel Richardson
But this application has not met with the attention of one single soul.
Clarissa, Volume 1 (of 9)
Samuel Richardson
Most persons hasten to deny this truth in its application to themselves.
Within the Law
Marvin Dana
I am sure of Sir James at any time, and could make him renew his application by a line.
Lady Susan
Jane Austen
At length his application and his energy were crowned with success.
Tales And Novels, Volume 5 (of 10)
Maria Edgeworth

British Dictionary definitions for application

application

noun

the act of applying to a particular purpose or use

relevance or valuethe practical applications of space technology

the act of asking for somethingan application for leave

a verbal or written request, as for a job, etche filed his application

diligent effort or concentrationa job requiring application

something, such as a healing agent or lotion, that is applied, esp to the skin

logic maths the process of determining the value of a function for a given argument

short for application program, applications package

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for application

early 15c., "the bringing of something to bear on something else," from Old French aplicacion (14c.), from Latin applicationem (nominative applicatio) "a joining to, an attaching oneself to," noun of action from past participle stem of applicare (see apply). Meaning "sincere hard effort" is from c.1600. Meaning "a formal request to be hired for a job or paid position" is by 1851.

application in Science

application

[ăp′lĭ-kā′shən]

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.