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Glite Dictionary
active application

active application

4.3
A computer program that is running and showing on the screen so you can use it
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : aplicación activa
  • It tracks the time as well as taking screenshots, capturing mouse/keyboard volumes, and sampling active applications used.

Examples

  • As of February 2010, the BLM had 127 active applications for solar facilities on lands that the BLM administers.

    Academic text (2011)

  • Persson said, "We don't have an active application in front of us.

    Blog text (21)

  • The word processor is the active application on my computer, allowing me to type my essay.

  • When multiple programs are open, the active application is the one that responds to my clicks.

  • I need to switch to the active application to save my changes before closing the software.

Synonyms

foreground
vsactive application
  • Specialized
3 4.1

The window you are using now that sits on top of other windows

refers to the running program shown in front that accepts user interaction

How Active

foreground
  • Specialized
3 4.1
active application
  • Specialized
4.3
backgrounding
  • Specialized
1 7.6

Surface Forms

active application singular
active applications plural

Morphology

active + application

The phrase is a straightforward compositional combination: 'active' (currently functioning) modifies 'application' (a software program), so a learner who knows both words can infer it refers to an app currently running or in use. This is non-idiomatic, domain-transparent vocabulary common across languages and computing contexts, so it is easily understood by B1 learners.

Etymology

The term active application imagines a program that is active, meaning 'doing work', and is the application that is 'in front' on your screen and ready for you to use. That's why it means the program that is running and getting your typing and clicks.