Geographical distribution

Distribution Dis`tri*bu"tion, n. [L. distributio: cf. F. distribution.] 1. The act of distributing or dispensing; the act of dividing or apportioning among several or many; apportionment; as, the distribution of an estate among heirs or children. [1913 Webster]

The phenomena of geological distribution are exactly analogous to those of geography. --A. R. Wallace. [1913 Webster]

2. Separation into parts or classes; arrangement of anything into parts; disposition; classification. [1913 Webster]

3. That which is distributed. ``Our charitable distributions.'' --Atterbury. [1913 Webster]

4. (Logic) A resolving a whole into its parts. [1913 Webster]

5. (Print.) The sorting of types and placing them in their proper boxes in the cases. [1913 Webster]

6. (Steam Engine) The steps or operations by which steam is supplied to and withdrawn from the cylinder at each stroke of the piston; viz., admission, suppression or cutting off, release or exhaust, and compression of exhaust steam prior to the next admission. [1913 Webster]

{Geographical distribution}, the natural arrangements of animals and plants in particular regions or districts.

Syn: Apportionments; allotment; dispensation; disposal; dispersion; classification; arrangement. [1913 Webster]