/ ˌæplɪˈkeɪʃn; NAmE / noun
FOR JOB / COURSE
1.
[ C , U ] application (to sb) (for sth / to do sth) a formal (often written) request for sth, such as a job, permission to do sth or a place at a college or university :
a planning / passport application
His application to the court for bail has been refused.
an application for membership / a loan / a licence
an application form (= a piece of paper on which to apply for sth)
Further information is available on application to the principal.
PRACTICAL USE
2.
[ U , C ] application (of sth) (to sth) the practical use of sth, especially a theory, discovery, etc. :
the application of new technology to teaching
The invention would have wide application / a wide range of applications in industry.
OF PAINT / CREAM
3.
[ C , U ] an act of putting or spreading sth, such as paint or medical creams, onto sth else :
lotion for external application only (= to be put on the skin, not swallowed)
It took three applications of paint to cover the graffiti.
OF RULE / LAW
4.
[ U ] the act of making a rule, etc. operate or become effective :
strict application of the law
COMPUTING
5.
[ C ] ( abbr. app ) a program designed to do a particular job; a piece of software :
a database application
HARD WORK
6.
[ U ] ( formal ) determination to work hard at sth; great effort :
Success as a writer demands great application.
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WORD ORIGIN
Middle English : via Old French from Latin applicatio(n-) , from the verb applicare fold, fasten to, from ad- to + plicare to fold.