Distribute

Pronunciation

• IPA: /dɪsˈtɹɪbjut/

Origin

From Latin distributus, past participle of distribuere ("to divide, distribute"), from dis- ("apart") + tribuere ("to give, impart"); see tribute.

Full definition of distribute

Verb

1. (to divide into portions and dispense)(transitive) To divide into portions and dispense.He distributed the bread amongst his followers.
2. (to supply to retail outlets)(transitive) To supply to retail outlets.The agency distributes newspapers to local shops.
3. (to deliver or pass out)(transitive) To deliver or pass out.A network of children distributes flyers to every house.
4. (to scatter or spread)(transitive) To scatter or spread.I raked the soil then distributed grass seed.
5. (to apportion)(transitive) To apportion (more or less evenly).The robot's six legs distributed its weight over a wide area.
6. (to classify or separate into categories)(transitive) To classify or separate into categories.The database distributed verbs into transitive and intransitive segments.
7. (to be distributive)(intransitive, mathematics) To be distributive.
8. (printing) To separate (type which has been used) and return it to the proper boxes in the cases.
9. (printing) To spread (ink) evenly, as upon a roller or a table.
10. (logic) To employ (a term) in its whole extent; to take as universal in one premise.
• WhatelyA term is said to be distributed when it is taken universal, so as to stand for everything it is capable of being applied to.

Derived terms

• distributable
• distribution
• distributionism
• distributism
• distributivism
• distributivity
• distributor

Anagrams

• turbidites