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 (Steam Engine) The steps or operations by which steam is supplied to and withdrawn from the cylinder at each stroke of the piston; viz., admission, suppression or cutting off, release or exhaust, and compression of exhaust steam prior to the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

a. Of or pertaining to distribution. Huxley. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. A distributer. [ R. ] Dickens. [ 1913 Webster ]