Distributed - Definitions from Dictionary.com

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Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1) - Cite This Source - Share This

dis·trib·ut·ed

Audio Help [di-strib-yoo-tid] Pronunciation Key

–adjective Linguistics.

(in distinctive feature analysis) characterized by relatively extensive contact or constriction between the articulating organs, as the (sh) in show in contrast to the (s) in so.

[Origin: distribute + -ed²

]

Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1)
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2006.

Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.
Distributed

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Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1) - Cite This Source - Share This

dis·trib·ute

Audio Help [di-strib-yoot] Pronunciation Key

–verb (used with object), -ut·ed, -ut·ing.

1.	to divide and give out in shares; deal out; allot.

2.	to disperse through a space or over an area; spread; scatter.

3.	to promote, sell, and ship or deliver (an item or line of merchandise) to individual customers, esp. in a specified region or area.

4.	to pass out or deliver (mail, newspapers, etc.) to intended recipients.

5.	to divide into distinct phases: The process was distributed into three stages.

6.	to divide into classes: These plants are distributed into 22 classes.

7.	Logic. to employ (a term) in a proposition so as to refer to all individuals denoted by the term.

8.	Physical Chemistry. to dissolve uniformly in a solvent consisting of layers of immiscible or partially miscible substances.

Printing.

a.	to roll out (ink) on the table to attain the proper consistency.

b.	to return (type) to the proper place after printing.

[Origin: 1400–50; late ME < L distribūtus, ptp. of distribuere to divide up. See dis-¹, tribute

]

—Related forms

dis·trib·ut·a·ble, adjective

—Synonyms 1. assign, mete, apportion. Distribute, dispense apply to giving out something. Distribute implies apportioned, individualized giving, esp. of something that is definite or limited in amount or number: The prizes were distributed among ten winners. Dispense formerly implied indiscriminate, general, and liberal giving, esp. of something that was more or less indefinite or unmeasured in amount: to dispense largess. It now applies chiefly to giving according to need or deserts, from an organized and official source: to dispense medicines and food to the victims. 6. dispose, sort, arrange, categorize.

American Heritage Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This

dis·trib·ute Audio Help   (dĭ-strĭb'yōōt) Pronunciation Key
v.   dis·trib·ut·ed, dis·trib·ut·ing, dis·trib·utes

v.   tr.

To divide and dispense in portions.
1. To supply (goods) to retailers.
2. To deliver or pass out: distributing handbills on the street.
3. To spread or diffuse over an area; scatter: distribute grass seed over the lawn.
4. To apportion so as to be evenly spread throughout a given area: 180 pounds of muscle that were well distributed over his 6-foot frame.
1. To spread or diffuse over an area; scatter: distribute grass seed over the lawn.
2. To apportion so as to be evenly spread throughout a given area: 180 pounds of muscle that were well distributed over his 6-foot frame.
To separate into categories; classify.
Logic To use (a term) so as to include all individuals or entities of a given class.

v. intr.
Mathematics To be distributive.

[Middle English distributen, from Latin distribuere, distribūt- : dis-, apart; see dis- + tribuere, to give; see tribute.]

Synonyms: These verbs mean to give out in portions or shares. Distribute is the least specific: The government distributed land to settlers.
Divide implies giving out portions, often equal, on the basis of a plan or purpose: The estate will be divided among the heirs.
Dispense stresses the careful determination of portions, often according to measurement or weight: The pharmacist dispensed the medication.
Dole, often followed by out, implies careful, usually sparing measurement of portions. It can refer to the distribution of charity: The city doled out surplus milk to the needy.
It can also suggest lack of generosity: The professor doled out meager praise to the students.
Deal implies orderly, equitable distribution, often piece by piece: I dealt five cards to each player.
Ration refers to equitable division in limited portions of scarce, often necessary, items: The government rationed fuel during the war.