Why is AS3 considered a scripting language if it's compiled?

Wiki defines ActionScript, including AS3 as a scripting language. But [URL=“http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scripting_language”]looking at what it defines 'application software’, the alternative to action script as, AS3 should be classed as a application software and not a scripting language.

All input welcome but most appreciated explanations that will allow me to argue the point one way or another with people that are far more experienced coders than I am.

On the topic I am also curious, is AS3 syntax/code more like JavaScript or Java ?

thank you for your consideration,

S.