application

noun

• 1a formal request to an authority:an application for leave [mass noun]:licences are available on application [as modifier]:an application form

• 2 [mass noun] the action of putting something into operation:the application of general rules to particular cases [count noun]:massage has far-reaching medical applications
• practical use or relevance:this principle has no application to the present case

• 3 [mass noun] the action of applying something to a surface:paints suitable for application on fabric [count noun]:a fresh application of make-up
• a medicinal substance applied to the skin: an application to relieve muscle pain

• 4 [mass noun] sustained effort; hard work:the job takes a great deal of patience and application

• 5 (also application program) Computing a program or piece of software designed to fulfil a particular purpose:a database application