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 request3: 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>