(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: 1400–50; late Middle English < Latin distribūtus, past participle of distribuere to divide up. See dis-1, tribute
Related forms
dis·trib·ut·a·ble, adjective
pre·dis·trib·ute, verb (used with object), -ut·ed, -ut·ing.
Synonyms 1. assign, mete, apportion. Distribute,dispense apply to giving out something. Distribute implies apportioned, individualized giving, especially 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, especially 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.