Distribute, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Distributed; p. pr. & vb. n. Distributing.]
Etymology: [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. She did distribute her goods to all them that were nearest of kindred. Judith xvi. 24.
2. To dispense; to administer; as, to distribute justice. Shak.
3. To divide or separate, as into classes, orders, kinds, or species; to classify; to assort, as specimens, letters, etc.
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.
3 more senses
5. (Logic)
To employ (a term) in its whole extent; to take as universal in one premise. 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.
1 other Webster entry under this spelling
Distribute, v. i.
To make distribution. Distributing to the necessity of saints. Rom. xii. 13.