The term 'application-level' combines 'application,' from Latin 'applicare,' meaning 'to attach or join,' and 'level,' from Old French 'level,' meaning 'a horizontal plane or line.'

'Application' evolved from the Latin 'applicare' through Old French 'appliquer,' while 'level' transitioned from Old French 'level' to Middle English 'level.'

Initially, 'application' referred to the act of applying something, but in modern usage, it often refers to software programs. 'Level' has retained its meaning of a horizontal plane or degree.