application Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun the act of bringing something to bear; using it for a particular purpose
    practical application.
    • he advocated the application of statistics to the problem
    • a novel application of electronics to medical diagnosis
  2. noun a verbal or written request for assistance or employment or admission to a school
    • December 31 is the deadline for applications
  3. noun the work of applying something;
    coating; covering.
    • the doctor prescribed a topical application of iodine
    • a complete bleach requires several applications
    • the surface was ready for a coating of paint
  4. noun a program that gives a computer instructions that provide the user with tools to accomplish a task
    applications programme; application program.
    • he has tried several different word processing applications
  5. noun liquid preparation having a soothing or antiseptic or medicinal action when applied to the skin
    lotion.
    • a lotion for dry skin
  6. noun a diligent effort
    diligence.
    • it is a job requiring serious application
  7. noun the action of putting something into operation
    • the application of maximum thrust
    • massage has far-reaching medical applications
    • the application of indexes to tables of data

WordNet

Ap`pli*ca"tion noun
Etymology
L. applicatio, fr. applicare: cf. F. application. See Apply.
Definitions
  1. The act of applying or laying on, in a literal sense; as, the application of emollients to a diseased limb.
  2. The thing applied.
    He invented a new application by which blood might be stanched. Johnson.
  3. The act of applying as a means; the employment of means to accomplish an end; specific use.
    If a right course . . . be taken with children, there will not be much need of the application of the common rewards and punishments. Locke.
  4. The act of directing or referring something to a particular case, to discover or illustrate agreement or disagreement, fitness, or correspondence; as, I make the remark, and leave you to make the application; the application of a theory.
  5. Hence, in specific uses: (a) That part of a sermon or discourse in which the principles before laid down and illustrated are applied to practical uses; the "moral" of a fable. (b) The use of the principles of one science for the purpose of enlarging or perfecting another; as, the application of algebra to geometry.
  6. The capacity of being practically applied or used; relevancy; as, a rule of general application.
  7. The act of fixing the mind or closely applying one's self; assiduous effort; close attention; as, to injure the health by application to study.
    Had his application been equal to his talents, his progress night have been greater. J. Jay.
  8. The act of making request of soliciting; as, an application for an office; he made application to a court of chancery.
  9. A request; a document containing a request; as, his application was placed on file.

Webster 1913