Origin: Latin suffix -tion
Application has 8 different meanings across 1 category:
the act of bringing something to bear; using it for a particular purpose
"he advocated the application of statistics to the problem"
"a novel application of electronics to medical diagnosis"
a verbal or written request for assistance or employment or admission to a school
"December 31 is the deadline for applications"
the work of applying something
"the doctor prescribed a topical application of iodine"
"a complete bleach requires several applications"
"the surface was ready for a coating of paint"
a program that gives a computer instructions that provide the user with tools to accomplish a task
"he has tried several different word processing applications"
liquid preparation having a soothing or antiseptic or medicinal action when applied to the skin
"a lotion for dry skin"
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"
The act of applying or laying on, in a literal sense
"The chef carefully applied a thin layer of oil to the pan before heating it."
In plain English: An application is a formal request to get something, like a job or a college spot, by filling out paperwork and sending it to someone.
"She submitted her job application yesterday morning."
Usage: In everyday usage, an application refers to a formal request or submission, such as for a job or college admission, rather than the physical act of putting something onto a surface. Use this term when discussing paperwork or software programs intended for specific tasks.
The word "application" comes from the Latin verb applicare, meaning "to join or attach." It entered English in the Late Middle Ages via Old French with this original sense of attachment before evolving into its modern usage.