distribute

One entry found for distribute.

Main Entry: dis·trib·ute
Pronunciation: di-'stri-byüt also -by&t Brit also 'dis-tri-"byüt
Function: verb
Inflected Form(s): -ut·ed; -ut·ing
Etymology: Middle English, from Latin distributus, past participle of distribuere, from dis- + tribuere to allot -- more at TRIBUTE
transitive verb
1 : to divide among several or many : APPORTION <distribute expenses>
2 a : to spread out so as to cover something : SCATTER b : to give out or deliver especially to members of a group <distribute newspapers> <distribute leaflets> c : to place or position so as to be properly apportioned over or throughout an area <200 pounds distributed on a 6-foot frame> d : to use (a term) so as to convey information about every member of the class named <the proposition "all men are mortal" distributes "man" but not "mortal">
3 a : to divide or separate especially into kinds b : to return the units of (as typeset matter) to storage
4 : to use in or as an operation so as to be mathematically distributive
intransitive verb : to be mathematically distributive <multiplication distributes over addition>
- dis·trib·u·tee /dis-"tri-byü-'tE/ noun
synonyms DISTRIBUTE, DISPENSE, DIVIDE, DEAL, DOLE OUT mean to give out, usually in shares, to each member of a group. DISTRIBUTE implies an apportioning by separation of something into parts, units, or amounts <distributed food to the needy>. DISPENSE suggests the giving of a carefully weighed or measured portion to each of a group according to due or need <dispensed wisdom to the students>. DIVIDE stresses the separation of a whole into parts and implies that the parts are equal <three charitable groups divided the proceeds>. DEAL emphasizes the allotment of something piece by piece <deal out equipment and supplies>. DOLE OUT implies a carefully measured portion of something that is often in short supply <doled out what little food there was>.