definitions
  • synonyms

application program

or applications program

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SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR application program ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

Computers. a program used for a particular application (opposed to system program).

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RELATED WORDS

program, spreadsheet, freeware, groupware, shareware, courseware, vaporware

Nearby words

appliance garage, applicability, applicable, applicant, application, application program, applications package, applicative, applicator, applicatory, applied
Also called application software, applications software.
Related formsapplication programmer, nounapplication programming, noun

Definition for application software (2 of 2)

application

[ ap-li-key-shuhn ]
/ ˌæp lɪˈkeɪ ʃən /

noun

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
SYNONYMS FOR application
1 utilization.
3 aptitude, suitability, pertinence.
4 solicitation, petition.
7 assiduity, industry, persistence, perseverance. See effort.
SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR application ON THESAURUS.COM
Related forms
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

British Dictionary definitions for application software (1 of 2)

application

/ (ˌæplɪˈkeɪʃən) /

noun

British Dictionary definitions for application software (2 of 2)

application program

noun

a computer program that is written and designed for a specific need or purpose
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 software

application

n.

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.

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper

Science definitions for application software

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.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.