- Distribute
- Distribute Dis*trib"ute, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Distributed}; p.
pr. & vb. n. {Distributing}.] [L. distributus, p. p. of
distribuere to divide, distribute; dis- + tribuere to assign,
give, allot. See {Tribute}.]
1. To divide among several or many; to deal out; to
apportion; to allot.
[1913 Webster]
She did distribute her goods to all them that were nearest of kindred. --Judith xvi. 24. [1913 Webster]
2. To dispense; to administer; as, to distribute justice. --Shak. [1913 Webster]
3. To divide or separate, as into classes, orders, kinds, or species; to classify; to assort, as specimens, letters, etc. [1913 Webster]
4. (Printing) (a) To separate (type which has been used) and return it to the proper boxes in the cases. (b) To spread (ink) evenly, as upon a roller or a table. [1913 Webster]
5. (Logic) To employ (a term) in its whole extent; to take as universal in one premise. [1913 Webster]
A term is said to be distributed when it is taken universal, so as to stand for everything it is capable of being applied to. --Whately.
Syn: To dispense; deal out; apportion; allot; share; assign; divide. [1913 Webster]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.