noun

1. The act of applying or laying on, in a literal sense

   "The application of this cream should reduce the swelling."

2. The substance applied.

3. The act of applying as a means; the employment of means to accomplish an end; specific use.

4. The act of directing or referring something to a particular case, to discover or illustrate agreement or disagreement, fitness, or correspondence.

   "I make the remark, and leave you to make the application."

5. A computer program or the set of software that the end user perceives as a single entity as a tool for a well-defined purpose. (Also called: application program; application software.)

   "This iPhone application can connect to most social networks."

6. A verbal or written request for assistance or employment or admission to a school, course or similar.

   "December 31 is the deadline for MBA applications."

7. (bureaucracy) A petition, entreaty, or other request, with the adposition for denoting the subject matter.

   "Their application for a deferral of the hearing was granted."

8. The act of requesting, claiming, or petitioning something.

9. Diligence; close thought or attention.

10. A kind of needlework; appliqué.

11. Compliance.