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 ]

v. i. To make distribution. [ 1913 Webster ]

adj. 1. spread from a central location to multiple points or recipients. Opposite of concentrated. [ Narrower terms: apportioned, dealt out, doled out, meted out, parceled out; diffuse, diffused; dispensed; dispersed, spread; divided, divided up, shared, shared out on the basis of a plan or purpose); encyclical; rationed; scattered, widespread; sparse, thin; unfocused, unfocussed ] Also See: distributive. [ WordNet 1.5 +PJC ]

2. spread among a variety of securities; -- of investments.
Syn. -- diversified. [ WordNet 1.5 ]

Distributing to the necessity of saints. Rom. xii. 13. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. One who, or that which, distributes or deals out anything; a dispenser. Addison. [ 1913 Webster ]