apply vs cream

apply is not a noun while cream is a noun.

Word	Noun	Adjective	Verb	Adverb
apply	No	No	Yes	No
cream	Yes	No	Yes	No

As verbs, cream is a hyponym of apply; that is, cream is a word with a more specific, narrower meaning than apply:

Other hyponyms of apply include dab, swab, swob, daub, gum, dress, cold-cream, putty, sponge on, clap on, slam on, slap on.

apply (noun)	cream (noun)
	toiletry consisting of any of various substances in the form of a thick liquid that have a soothing and moisturizing effect when applied to the skin
	the part of milk containing the butterfat
	the best people or things in a group

apply (verb)	cream (verb)
ask (for something)	add cream to one's coffee, for example
refer (a word or name) to a person or thing	make creamy by beating
put into service; make work or employ for a particular purpose or for its inherent or natural purpose	remove from the surface
coat, cover or smear a surface with	put on cream, as on one's face or body
give or convey physically	beat thoroughly and conclusively in a competition or fight
avail oneself to
ensure observance of laws and rules
apply oneself to
be pertinent or relevant or applicable
be applicable to; as to an analysis