application

Universal Words noun for job / course 1 [C,U] ~ (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] ~ (of sth) (to sth) the practical use of sth, especially a theory, discovery, etc: the application of new technology to teaching * The new 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] 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.