apply vs putty

apply is not a noun while putty is a noun.

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

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

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

apply (noun)	putty (noun)
	a dough-like mixture of whiting and boiled linseed oil; used especially to patch woodwork or secure panes of glass

apply (verb)	putty (verb)
ask (for something)	apply putty in order to fix or fill
refer (a word or name) to a person or thing
put into service; make work or employ for a particular purpose or for its inherent or natural purpose
coat, cover or smear a surface with
give or convey physically
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