Main Entry: ap·pli·ca·tion

Pronunciation: \ˌa-plə-ˈkā-shən\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English applicacioun, from Latin application-, applicatio inclination, from applicare

Date: 15th century

1 : an act of applying: a (1) : an act of putting to use <application of new techniques> (2) : a use to which something is put <new applications for old remedies> (3) : a program (as a word processor or a spreadsheet) that performs one of the major tasks for which a computer is used b : an act of administering or superposing <application of paint to a house> c : assiduous attention <succeeds by application to her studies>
2 a : request, petition <an application for financial aid> b : a form used in making a request
3 : the practical inference to be derived from a discourse (as a moral tale)
4 : a medicated or protective layer or material <an oily application for dry skin>
5 : capacity for practical use <words of varied application>