Application \Ap`pli*ca"tion\, n. [L. applicatio, fr. applicare: cf. F. application. See Apply.]

1. The act of applying or laying on, in a literal sense; as, the application of emollients to a diseased limb.

2. The thing applied.

He invented a new application by which blood might be stanched. --Johnson.

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

If a right course . . . be taken with children, there will not be much need of the application of the common rewards and punishments. --Locke.

4. The act of directing or referring something to a particular case, to discover or illustrate agreement or disagreement, fitness, or correspondence; as, I make the remark, and leave you to make the application; the application of a theory.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)