Employs

USES

["**Hint:** \"Makes practical application of\""]

The clue "Employs" leads to the answer "USES" through a straightforward definition. The word "employs" means to make use of or to utilize something. In other words, when you employ something, you use it. Therefore, "employs" and "uses" are synonyms, making "USES" the correct answer to the clue. There is no wordplay or pun involved in this clue; it is a direct synonym match.