Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Applause \Ap*plause"\, n. [L. applaudere, applausum. See
   {Applaud}.]
   The act of applauding; approbation and praise publicly
   expressed by clapping the hands, stamping or tapping with the
   feet, acclamation, huzzas, or other means; marked
   commendation.

         The brave man seeks not popular applause. --Dryden.

   Syn: Acclaim; acclamation; plaudit; commendation; approval.

Source : WordNet®

applause
     n : a demonstration of approval by clapping the hands together
         [syn: {hand clapping}, {clapping}]